Abstract
ILO standards that prohibit or restrict women's night work in industry were originally hailed as major advances for the protection of female workers. Today, however, these instruments are increasingly seen as obstacles to equality. Many states have denounced them in favour of protection for all night workers, irrespective of their sex. Yet the ILO's constituents remain deeply divided as to whether or not women need special "protection" outside of objective contingencies like maternity. To clarify the underlying issues and the challenge this poses to the ILO, Politakis draws on a survey of the law and practice of over 100 states.