Festus Osifo, the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), is urging the stringent enforcement of the International Labour Organisation Convention C-190 and Recommendation 206. These international standards aim to address the fundamental right of everyone to a workplace free from violence and harassment. Osifo emphasized the need for the practical implementation and enforcement of these recommendations to effectively eliminate gender-based violence and harassment in the world of work.
Speaking at the three-day 2023 Annual Seminar organized by TUC Women Commission in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Osifo underscored the importance of the event’s theme: “Projecting Ways to Eliminate Gender-based Violence and Harassment from the World of Work, Implementation, and Enforcement of ILO C-190 R 206.” He expressed concern about the persistence of violence and harassment in workplaces despite the existence of these international standards, calling out ILO member states for their non-compliance with Recommendation 206.
He also noted with dismay that even at the local level, cases such as genital mutilation, and harmful widowhood practices have persisted despite several federal and state governments’ legislative and policy instruments.
He said, “Congress is concerned that despite ILO Conventions 190 and R 206 that address the right of everyone to a world of work that is free from violence and harassment, it has continued.
“Locally, the federal and state governments have adopted several legislative and policy instruments, including the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act of 2025, which also prohibits female genital mutilation, harmful widowhood practices, etc. but all the ugly incidents have persisted.
“By implementing these conventions, and recommendations and embracing the strategies listed above, gender-based violence and harassment in the world of work can be eliminated and we will have a safer and more inclusive environment for everyone”.
He described gender-based violence as a serious issue, adding that all hands must be on the deck to eliminate it.
Proffering strategies to eliminate gender-based violence, Osifo recommended the strengthening of the existing legal frameworks, training, and retraining as well as collaboration and partnership among organisations and employee/employer collaborations.
