Recently, the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions followed through with another workshop on the Support for the Ratification of the ILO C190. Officiating at the Workshop, Ms Catherine Kantumoya – ZCTU Deputy Secretary General (Administration) with other participants coming from the Civil Society and other organizations resounded 100% support for the convention 190 to be ratified by the Zambian government. Facilitating at the workshop was Ms. Naomi Lunat Kimbala-Director Gender, Youth, and Child Development:

What is C190?
• C190 is the ‘Violence and Harassment’ Convention adopted on 21 June 2019 by the International Labour Conference.
• It establishes the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment, including domestic violence.
Why Should the Zambian Government Ratify C190?
• The Zambian government has shown its commitment to comply with International Standards, especially in the area of protection of the rights of workers.
Key Statistics
• 2023 Gender Inequality Index: 0.540 (ranking 138th out of 190 countries)
• 2024 Q1 GBV Cases: 9,700 (showing a 10.2% reduction from the same period in 2023)
• Criminal cases: 6,966
• Non-criminal cases: 2,734
• Lusaka Province reported the highest number of GBV criminal cases: 2,278
Core Benefits of Ratifying C190

• Protects All Workers: Covers workers irrespective of their status (freelance, interns, part-time).
• Covers All Forms of Violence: Includes sexual harassment, bullying, stalking, online harassment, and all other forms of violence.
• Provides Access to Complaint and Dispute Resolution Mechanisms: Ensures gender-responsive mechanisms, support services, and remedies in cases of gender-based violence and harassment.
• Addresses Gender-Based Violence: Recognizes sectors or occupations that may expose workers to a higher risk of violence and harassment and requires governments to identify them.
• Supports Domestic Violence Victims: Includes domestic violence as it impacts mental health and work performance.

Importance of C190

• Makes violence and harassment a health and safety issue, requiring all employers to include it when managing occupational health and safety issues.
• Covers sectors beyond the actual workplace, addressing gaps in national legislation.
• Recognizes the different roles and functions of governments, employers, and workers.

Conclusion

• Supporting the ratification of ILO Convention 190 is crucial for creating a safer and more equitable work environment in Zambia.
• It addresses significant issues of violence and harassment and ensures comprehensive protection for all workers.