By Our Reporter.
IndustriALL National Women Committee Uganda (IMWC) held a conference on May7, 2022 to campaign for fast – tracking on ratification of Convention 190 and recommendation 209 on violence and harassment in the world of work.
The conference was attended by leaders from National Organisation of Trade Unions, Central Organisation of Free Trade Unions (COFTU), Gender, Labour and Social Development Ministry officials and Workers Members of Parliament.
Central Organisation of Free Trade Unions (COFTU) Chairman General Mr John Oketcho called on all stakeholders to work towards ratification of Convention 190.
He said there have been growing cases of violence and sexual harassment at places of work but women have failed abate the vice by deciding to keep quiet in bid to protect their jobs while families relations are broken
“ Women should fight sexual harassment and stop keeping quiet because of protecting their jobs,” he said.
Coordinator IndustriALL Ea\stern Africa Union Building Project (IEAUBP) Ms Catherine Aneno presented a Key Note address on new development and progressive report on Convention 190 ratification.
She said women should be bold enough and report men who sexually harass them at workplaces adding that they should be prepared to sacrifice their jobs as a means of exposing and fighting the menace.
Ms Anene called on stakeholders to establish mechanisms that will allow collection of reports, investigations and prosecuting of offenders especially managers in workplaces.
She said:” Women should stop indecent dressing that exposes their body parts thereby provoking men to make unpleasant advances.Participants resolved to use Workers MPS to promote and fast – track Convention 190 and to seek collaboration of NOTU and COFTU on the convention. Member of Parliament Hon Abdulhu Byakatonda said he is running a program for wealth creation and empowerment of trade union leaders.
He requested Labour Unions to share their long – term programs of action with view to incorporating his action plans for projects implementation.
“ We would like to carry feasibility study on available work plans to see which ones can be funded and implement ,”
Female Workers MP Hon Agnes Kunihira said there is need to formulate the best way for pushing the GLSD Ministry to fast – track on ratification of C – 190.
She wondered how Parish Development Model overshadowed workers issues promised to organize May 1, 2023 for workers.
Uganda Public Employees Union (UPEU) Chairperson Ms Agatha Namirembe said domestic violence and sexual harassment are key in daily life and require special attention.
Workers MP Hon Charles Bakkabulindi said most victims of domestic violence especially sexual harassment fear exposure for public image and society protection.
“ Women need put aside public or society negativities and expose men who harass them sexually,” he said■
