Violence and harassment
A call to eliminate violence and harassment in the world of work
Representatives from the government, workers’ and employers’ organizations learn key innovations and gain skills as master trainers to end workplace violence and harassment.
29 July 2024
TAGAYTAY CITY, Philippines (ILO NEWS) – Problem-solving and policy analysis sessions simulate challenges and measures to end workplace violence and harassment. The Ending violence and harassment in the World of Work: a Training for Change Makers combined training of trainers with sessions focusing on the implementation the Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190), which the Philippines has ratified.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) Country Office for the Philippines systematically and sustainably rolled out the training in partnership with the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO). Government, workers' and employers' representatives learn about key innovations of C.190 and how to best communicate, sensitize and train others. It equipped them as master trainers as they created sustainability plans to ensure the effective transfer of knowledge and promote a widespread understanding of C.190.
The three-day training of trainers featured interactive exchanges on international experiences and good practices to fine-tune specific skills. The training also delved into the root causes, impact, and vulnerable factors of workplace violence and harassment.
These plans focus on practical actions and prevention mechanisms from the workplace to policy levels. The implementation of C.190 promises to usher in a transformative period of enhanced dignity and respect in the world of work.
It applies to the workplace, public and private spaces, including commuting and work-related communications. Furthermore, it uniquely integrates principles of equality and non-discrimination with occupational safety and health (OSH) standards, ensuring protection by addressing violence and harassment in all its forms across all stages of employment.
Gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) was emphasized in the workshop as a pervasive issue and a barrier to equality that affects millions of workers globally.
Workers in the rural and informal sectors often face unique challenges related to OSH due to the nature of their work environments. Addressing GBVH as an OSH issue is a moral imperative and requires a shift in societal norms and behaviours towards a safe and healthy working environment.
The activity coincided with the third anniversary of the Convention’s adoption during the 108th session of the International Labour Conference (ILC). This initiative is part of the ILO’s support to tripartite constituents in implementing the Labor and Employment Plan (LEP).
With the Philippines joining the Global Coalition for Social Justice, collective action is crucial to ensure the effective alignment of workplace laws and practices with C.190 to achieve sustainable and inclusive development. Existing and future policies must reflect gender issues and concerns to ensure that workplaces remain proactive and responsive to promote decent work for all workers.
The said activity was supported by the ILO’s Trade for Decent Work and Rural Sectors projects, with funding from the European Union (EU) and the United States Department of Labor (US DOL).