SI UN Representative in Geneva, Berthe De Vos, brings us tremendous news from the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

“Even in the time of the Covid-19 pandemic, there are positive developments  … and this time on a problem that to this day has deprived employees of their dignity, equal opportunities, safety, health, and productivity in the workplace.

After years of work and lobbying on the problem of physical and emotional violence on the work floor, the ILO was able to celebrate its’ 100th anniversary on June 2019, as well as the adaptation of the Convention 190. A convention that aims to grant “the right for everybody to work free from violence and harassment on the work floor”.

The Convention also provides a strong common framework for action and an opportunity to shape a brighter future in work, one that is based on respect and dignity. This is a landmark in history as it is the first international labour standard to address violence and harassment in the work place (irrespective of whether it is a physical or virtual space). Even more, it has finally defined this injustice as: “behaviors, practices or threats that aim at, result in, or are likely to result in physical, psychological, sexual or economic harm”.

The ILO proudly announced in June 2020 that Fiji seconded Uraguay’s ratification, which means that Convention 190 will enter into force as of June 2021. Member states will now have the responsibility to create an environment of zero tolerance in the workplace for all people, including gender-based violence and harassment.”

Click HERE for more information on this momentous achievement.

Soroptimist International has joined with other organisations and individuals, working in collaboration with the NGO Coalition to End Violence and Harassment in the World of Work, in signing a LETTER urging all Member States to ratify ILO Convention 190 and to begin effective implementation without delay.