Jaenique Swartz
The Labour Research and Resource Institute (LaRRI) successfully launched the Convention C-190 Workers Report and Training Manual last week in the capital. The manual was adopted by the International Labour Conference in Geneva in 2019.
The training manual is aimed at accelerating progress on the implementation of the convention by raising awareness, strengthening broad-based support and action, as well as increasing workers’ and employers’ engagement policy and practice in Namibia.
Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment-Creation Utoni Nujoma was also in attendance, and reflected on the significance of the manual to eradicate harassment, abuse and gender-based violence in the workplace.
“Our government attached a five-year roadmap for the implementation of Convention-190. In line with this roadmap, the ministry, with the assistance of the ILO, thus far already did the training of 50 master trainers who assist in capacitating change agents at workplaces and to ensure a workplace free from violence and harassment,” he stated.
Nujoma furthermore reflected on how disheartening it is to see how many employees fall victim to harassment and violence in their respective workplaces, where such instances should not occur in the first place.
Professor Trywell Kalusopa from the University of Namibia (Unam) during his presentation said several employees keep quiet in the face of adversity because they are afraid to lose their jobs if they speak out. However, he also brought attention to the ones who do speak out but fall victim to scrutiny from their peers.
Kalusopa thus encouraged all employees and employers to familiarise themselves with the training manual, as it highlights vital parts of the importance of ensuring a safe and secure working environment for all parties involved.
“It is important to know what policies organisations have against tolerating violence and harassment in the workplace, as most entities only have policies to handle these conflicts, but no clear written policy or training on how to stop these things from happening,” he continued.
LaRRI’s wish is that the C-190 training manual could become a vital component in every entity, where workers and employers are respected and valued.
Photo: Larri
Caption: Progress… Participants during the launch of the Convention C-190 Workers Report and Training Manual last week in the capital. Photo: Contributed