AYV News, December 12, 2024
In observance of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), the Sierra Leone Labour Congress (SLLC) Women’s Committee has engaged the Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, to advocate for the ratification of the International Labour Organization’s Convention 190 (C190).
The convention seeks to address violence and harassment in the workplace, focusing on safeguarding women’s rights and creating safer work environments.
Madam Gladys Blanche, leader of the SLLC Women’s Committee, highlighted the urgency of ratifying C190, which provides a robust legal framework to combat workplace violence. “The 2019 ILO conference endorsed C190 and Recommendation 206; some countries have already ratified them. Sierra Leone must join this global effort,” she urged.
Blanche underscored the convention’s role in protecting vulnerable groups, such as domestic workers, while enhancing Sierra Leone’s international credibility in women’s safety advocacy.
Minister Swaray, who received the women in his office at New England Ville, applauded them for their proactive stance, noting that the foundation for their advocacy had already been laid by the Employment Act 2023.
He also linked the initiative to the First Lady’s “Hands Off Our Girls” project and campaign, which supports anti-violence measures.
“Ratifying C190 will strengthen our fight against workplace violence, harassment, and bullying, he noted.
The Minister disclosed that a draft cabinet paper is already in progress and promised government commitment to the cause.
He pledged collaboration with stakeholders to ensure the convention’s ratification and implementation, which he said would improve workplace productivity and dignity for all workers, particularly women.
The meeting concluded with optimism, as the SLLC Women’s Committee expressed hope that this year’s activism would yield tangible results in combating SGBV and advancing women’s rights in Sierra Leone.
