Underlining that ILO Convention 190 (C190) is the first global and binding treaty on ending violence and harassment in the world of work and that this is particularly relevant as the pandemic (COVID-19) has changed work locations and setups, and workers report increased harassment online and in public spaces, SGSF or Sommilito Garments Sramik Federation and the Awaj Foundation have called upon the Government to address the increase in Gender-Based Violence and Harassment (GBVH) at work linked to the coronavirus pandemic by ratifying and implementing ILO Convention 190 (C190), while also urging employers to integrate the ILO’s Convention 190 (C190) in workplace policies.
The Founder of Awaj Foundation and the President of SGSF, Nazma Akter on her part reportedly maintained that this convention will help create legal and policy structure needed in Bangladesh to help workers fight back against human rights violation and added many unions and worker organisations world-over are pushing for gender equality, equal pay and an end to GBVH.
Not just in the apparel sector, but in all sectors, Nazma reportedly added.
Underlining ratifying C190 – C190 recognises how work is structured, by protecting workers normally excluded from labour protections, including workers in non-standard work arrangements, in export processing zones and in the informal economy – would ensure that the most vulnerable workers are protected, the SGSF and the Awaj Foundation reportedly maintained that layoffs during the pandemic have disproportionately impacted workers in precarious jobs, most of whom do not qualify for unemployment benefits and emergency relief measures thereby making them particularly vulnerable to pressure for sexual favours and other degrading treatment so as to keep their jobs.
