Violence towards women must be stopped: ITUC
They urge the government to immediately sign ILO Convention-190 on Violence and Harassment of Women in the Workplace
The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) has called for an end to all kinds of violence, discrimination and sexual harassment against women.
They also called for ensuring equity in the workplace for women.
They made the call at a discussion titled 'Signing of ILO Convention-190: Ensuring Workplace Free from Violence and Harassment', organised by ITUC-BC, Women's Committee at Sagar-Runi Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters' Unity on Monday marking the International Women's Day-2021.
At the discussion, Shammin Sultana, programme officer of Gender Mainstreaming and Gender Focal Point of International Labour Organisation, said, "The contribution of women workers in the economic and social development of the country is undeniable. Women workers in agriculture, industry and services are playing an important role. The lion's share of the achievement of garment industry goes to women workers. Yet women workers today are neglected, oppressed and exploited. Why are they constantly harassed? We want an end to this."
Shakila Akhter Chowdhury, general secretary of the Bangladesh Labour Federation, said the government should immediately sign ILO Convention-190 on Violence and Harassment of Women in the Workplace.
Calling for the proper implementation of the 2009 High Court directive to stop sexual harassment in the workplace, she said, "Wages, leave, overtime, day-care benefits of women workers has to be ensured. Appropriate measures should be taken to stop the harassment of women workers in abroad. Besides, domestic workers should be given dignity as workers."
Addressing the discussion as the chief guest, Secretary to Labour and Employment Ministry M Abdus Salam said, "Socio-economic development of women is taking place day by day in the country. Women have proved their credentials in various sectors today. The present government is very sincere in women's development. We hope that all obstacles to women's development will be removed soon by the joint efforts of the government and the people."
The discussion, among others, was also addressed by Member Secretary of ITUC-BC Women's Committee Advocate Nazneen Nahar, Acting General Secretary of Bangladesh Mukta Sramik Federation Shahidullah Badal, and ITUC-BC Women's Committee Chairman Rahima Akhter Sathy.
After the discussion, a human chain was formed to press their demand.
