NGO seeks adherence to policies that prevent workplace harassment, violence

Pataki, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has called for the strict application of policies that focus on safeguarding workers against harassment and violence in workplaces.

The call was made on Wednesday during a webinar organised by the organisation, themed, ‘ILO C190: Safeguarding the World of Work from Violence and Harassment’.

The international labour conference convention 190 (ILO C190) was rectified by the Nigerian court on November 8, 2023.

Speaking on the purpose of the event, Oluwaseyi Ibuoye, executive director of Pataki, said the meeting aims to address issues that affect employee productivity and measures to take.

“Violence and harassment can take many forms. And it is fundamentally detrimental to equality. And yet, violence and harassment remain a widespread problem, affecting employees in every kind of workplace setting and at every level of employment,” she said.

Highlighting the need to implement the international labour conference convention 190, Ibuoye said the policy recognises the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence and harassment.

“As described in the convention and how it affects Nigerian workers and employers. What are the pros and cons of the ILO C190? The various forms violence and harassment can take, what affected person can do? What can employers do to safeguard the world of work?” she said.

“The webinar addresses the necessity of adjusting workplace policies to address this new convention. And to lay emphasis on the negative impact of violence and harassment in the world of work.

“Not only can violence and harassment cause physical and emotional harm to the survivor, but they can keep her from advancing in her career, resulting in lost earnings and opportunities.”

On her part, Folashade Oguntoyinbo, human resources at Chronos Studeous, said any employee harassed at the workplace should not hesitate to report such an issue.

Oguntoyinbo asked employers to take appropriate actions when such reports are made.

“The workplace needs to be safe and conducive for workers to thrive. If this is hampered, this becomes a violation,” she said.

Also speaking, Baraatu Dangana, a human rights lawyer, said the workplace is filled with so much violence.

Dangana said workplace harassment and violence constitute a violation of human rights.

“Most times the female folks are the worst hit. Our culture at the workplace should be based on respect and dignity for human beings, so both employer and employee should deserve to be given their due place,” the lawyer said.

“Be it an intern, an apprentice, a casual worker, or a full-time employee, he/she should be protected and never be harassed or taken advantage of.

“If anything of such happens, let there be a formal writing and if the employer does not address the issue, the worker can go ahead to go legal by informing a lawyer them the court.”

The organisation, therefore, urged employees, employers, as well as business owners not to hesitate to escalate signs of harassment to the right bodies, calling for policies to be put in place to address violations and threats.