By Helen Shok Jok, Abuja.
As the world commemorates the 6th anniversary of the adoption of ILO Convention 190 also known as C190 and Recommendation 206 on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work, the International Trade Union Confederation ITUC-Africa, has reiterated its call for the ratification and implementation of C190 and R206 and their integration into national laws, workplace policies, and enforcement mechanisms.
ITUC-Africa made the call in a statement signed by its General Secretary Joel Odigie.
The two instruments were adopted by the International Labour Conference of the ILO at its 108th Session in Geneva on 21st June 2019.
According to the ITUC-Africa Scribe, “these instruments marked a global milestone, becoming the first to formally recognise the right of every person to a world of work free from violence and harassment, including gender based violence.
“Violence and harassment in the world of work remain widespread and deeply embedded across all sectors and regions.
“These violations whether physical, psychological, sexual, or economic—are often hidden and underreported, as survivors face stigma, fear of retaliation, and limited trust in existing protection systems”, he stated.
He believes that the prevalence of such abuses reflects systemic inequalities shaped by gender, age, class, race, and employment status.
“These harmful practices are not confined to offices and factories. They also occur in domestic work, agriculture, transport, and the informal economy, where African workers, especially women, are over represented and under protected”.
He also stressed that the digitalisation of work and the rise of platform based employment, have further complicated the landscape, with new forms of online harassment emerging, often without adequate regulation or employer accountability.
“Today, as we mark this anniversary, we celebrate the progress made while acknowledging the road still ahead of us.
“As of June 2025, only ten African countries have ratified Convention 190. While this represents a step in the right direction, it also underscores the pressing need for greater political will and accelerated action across the continent to make workplaces truly safe and inclusive for all.
“For us, ITUC Africa, C190, and R206 are not just legal standards; they are cornerstones of our gender transformative trade union agenda.
“We envision a labour movement where gender equality is not an afterthought but a foundational principle.
“Our agenda seeks to challenge and transform power structures that perpetuate violence and discrimination and to ensure the full, equal, and safe participation of women in trade union leadership and structures.
“On this anniversary, we reiterate our call for the ratification and implementation of C190 and R206 and their integration into national laws, workplace policies, and enforcement mechanisms”, Comrade Odigie said.
The Confederation reaffirmed its conviction that violence and harassment particularly gender based violence should never be part of any job.
Hauwa M.