Ending violence and harassment in the world of work in India with C190

Violence and harassment in the world of work is a threat to the dignity, security, health and well-being of everyone. It can constitute a human and labour rights violation or abuse and negatively impacts workers. It also impacts employers as violence and harassment can result in reduced productivity and damaged reputation. It also negatively impacts families, communities, economies and society as a whole.

Violence and harassment, particularly gender-based violence and harassment which includes sexual harassment remains a pervasive problem in South Asia, including in India. It has been affecting women and girls disproportionately. There is strong evidence that during the COVID-19 pandemic cases of violence and harassment in the world of work have increased dramatically. For building back better from the COVID-19 crisis and realizing decent work for all, more actions are needed to prevent and eliminate violence and harassment in the world of work.

In 2019, the world leaders have come to a consensus and supported the adoption of new international labour standards, namely, ILO Convention on Violence and Harassment, 2019 (No. 190) and Recommendation on Violence and Harassment, 2019 (No. 2016). They provide an important framework for the world of work actors in creating a world of work free from violence and harassment. C190 has been ratified by 25 Member States so far. Governments that ratify C190 will be required to put in place the necessary laws and policy measures to prevent and address violence and harassment in the world of work. India is yet to ratify C190, however, ILO constituents, key stakeholders including civil society actors in India have been actively promoting the ratification and application of C190 by India.

Download regional language C190 campaign materials from here to promote with your audience.