Government commits to ratifying the Convention concerning the elimination of Violence and Harassment in the world of work
Zimbabwe is on course to ratify C190 following a common position by the tripartite partners at a social dialogue forum
At their meeting of 23 September 2022, tripartite partners (government, business, and labour) under the framework of the Tripartite Negotiation Forum (TNF, have recommended that the Government initiates the process towards the ratification of the Convention concerning the elimination of Violence and Harassment in the world of work, 2019 (No.190). It is a critical step to ensure the country aligns its practices and legislation to international frameworks to promote safe workplaces that are free from violence and harassment.
The Government of Zimbabwe views this as an imperative that ensures that all workers fully enjoy the rights as enshrined in the Constitution and other relevant international and continental treaties. This commitment is also being witnessed in the various initiatives that the Government is undertaking including the Amendment of the Labour Act [Chapter 28:01] where stiffer penalties of up to ten (10) years have been proposed for perpetrators of workplace violence and harassment with a view to prevent and eliminate any such unacceptable behaviours and practices in workplaces.
Furthermore, the Government with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO) under the Spotlight Initiative, an EU multi-country programme, has been carrying out various awareness programmes at workplaces in government and the private sector on violence and harassment. In July 2022, the Government achieved a milestone as it adopted the Public Sector Sexual Harassment Policy. The policy is one of the measures being adopted by Government to promote a conducive work environment that is free from sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse. It is premised on the need to protect the dignity of the workers in the Public Service which is a pre-requisite for maximum work productivity and effective service delivery.
Overall, governments through relevant departments, and employers and workers and their respective organizations, will continue to ensure that violence and harassment in the world of work is addressed in relevant national policies, such as those concerning occupational safety and health, equality, and non-discrimination among others. This will also include providing guidance, resources and training or other tools, on violence and harassment in the world of work, including awareness-raising campaigns.
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The Government of Zimbabwe views this as an imperative that ensures that all workers fully enjoy the rights as enshrined in the Constitution and other relevant international and continental treaties. This commitment is also being witnessed in the various initiatives that the Government is undertaking including the Amendment of the Labour Act [Chapter 28:01] where stiffer penalties of up to ten (10) years have been proposed for perpetrators of workplace violence and harassment with a view to prevent and eliminate any such unacceptable behaviours and practices in workplaces.
Furthermore, the Government with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO) under the Spotlight Initiative, an EU multi-country programme, has been carrying out various awareness programmes at workplaces in government and the private sector on violence and harassment. In July 2022, the Government achieved a milestone as it adopted the Public Sector Sexual Harassment Policy. The policy is one of the measures being adopted by Government to promote a conducive work environment that is free from sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse. It is premised on the need to protect the dignity of the workers in the Public Service which is a pre-requisite for maximum work productivity and effective service delivery.
Overall, governments through relevant departments, and employers and workers and their respective organizations, will continue to ensure that violence and harassment in the world of work is addressed in relevant national policies, such as those concerning occupational safety and health, equality, and non-discrimination among others. This will also include providing guidance, resources and training or other tools, on violence and harassment in the world of work, including awareness-raising campaigns.