Although the number of women workers in the formal and informal sectors has increased, a women-friendly working environment, in general, has not yet been ensured. Moreover, sexual harassment in the workplace could also not be prevented.
Green Bangla Garments Workers Federation (GBGWF) has presented a six-point demand to stop this violence and harassment through legislation.
The demands were presented at a workers' rally in front of the National Press Club on Friday.
Speakers at the rally said that the International Labor Organization (ILO) adopted the Convention-190 to eliminate all forms of violence and harassment in the workplace in 2019 which was considered to be a landmark step.
They said that it is the responsibility of every member state of the ILO to promote a zero-tolerance work environment in terms of violence and harassment.
They also said that the ILO released a report in March 2011, known as the Blue Report, through a series of actions to determine the recommendations and standards of the parties concerned to prevent harassment and abuse of women and men in the workplace.
“The report highlights the various responsibilities of government, employers’ and workers’ organizations in preventing harassment and abuse in the workplace. At the same time, the government, employers’ and workers’ delegations were asked to ensure gender equality. Therefore, we urge the government to sign the ILO Convention 190 against violence and harassment in the workplace,” they said.
The organization placed the demands to sign and implement ILO Convention 190; transform High Court directives into law to prevent sexual harassment; form sexual harassment prevention committees in the workplace and educational institutions; ensure a work environment free of violence and harassment and provide assistance to victims.
Sultana Begum, President of Green Bangla Garment Workers Federation, General Secretary Md Elias, Joint Secretary Khadija Rahman and central leader Selina Hossain was present during this time, along with others.
