SECTION C: CASE STUDY
[10 Marks]
Eliminating harassment in the world of work
The labour ministry has said now that Namibia has ratified Convention 190, employers should
regard this pact as an instrument that aims to promote harmonious labour relations at their
workplaces, and it is time to boost the human dignity of both their employees and those they
serve.
Namibia ratified this convention in December 2020, but it became effective only in December
2021 as per the International Labour Organisation (ILO) requirements, which stipulate that any
ratified convention by a member state becomes effective after a year of ratification.
"This is the first international legal instrument that aims to eliminate violence and harassment in
the world of work. The employers should, therefore, come up with workplace policies that are in
support of this convention," said Maria Hedimbi, the labour ministry's spokesperson.
Adopted in 201 9, the ILO Convention 190 protects workers and other persons in the world of
work, including employees as well as persons working, irrespective of their contractual status,
persons in training, including interns and apprentices and many others.
Due to the recent ratification of the convention, Hedimbi said the ministry has had no official
cases brought before it up to now. "This does not mean there are no cases of sexual harassment
in the world of work. Some of these cases might have been lodged with the Namibian Police
before this convention became paii of our laws," Hedimbi stated.
She added: "The ministry conducted a rapid assessment in terms of violence and harassment in
the world of work before the ratification of this convention. This assessment proved that there
are indeed various forms of violence and harassment in the world of work, including sexual
harassment". Hedimbi said the ministry, with its social partners, after the ratification of this
convention, came up with loads of activities, aimed at educating the public about this
convention.
The ministry trained 15 master trainers late last year, who are now busy training change agents
drawn from different workplaces. Recently trained change agent, Social Security Commission's
manager for talent and development Winfred Pokolo, told New Era the essence of the convention
carries a lot of weight because of its impact on the more subtle issues employees face daily.
"The impo1iance of the convention is seen and experienced daily. If the violence and harassment
are not addressed, it will continue to manifest itself by when people vent at work and more sadly
at home or in public," stated Pokolo. He said: "As a country, we should not just adopt the
convention as a matter of process but focus on the correct and stringent application of these
principles, as Namibia can benefit more from a productive workforce if they are rescued from
this evil".
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