The national awareness caravan on violence and harassment in the workplace stopped in Kaffrine this Thursday, where it drew a large crowd of over 100 workers from both the formal and informal sectors. Initiated by a tripartite committee comprising the ILO, the ILO office in Dakar, the Ministry of Labor, and REJEV (Network of Journalists Committed to Combating Violence and Harassment in the Workplace), this initiative aims to strengthen advocacy for the ratification of ILO Convention 190.

Nafissatou Samb, coordinator of Renafess, the National Network of Women Trade Unionists, points out that this caravan arose out of urgency. "ILO Convention 190 on violence and harassment in the world of work exists, and it seemed necessary to us to conduct a caravan in Thiès, Diourbel, and Kaffrine."

A strong mobilization and a clear message

After Thiès and Diourbel, where a memorandum was submitted to the administrative authorities, the team continued its mission in Kaffrine. "Today, we are in Kaffrine to organize the caravan. There has been a lot of enthusiasm, and we have been going to the markets so that the people can learn about Convention 190, since we are still waiting for its ratification," explains Nafissatou Samb.

The caravan traveled through several streets of the city, including the central market where it spoke with shopkeepers, street vendors, apprentices, and shoppers. Those encountered were invited to spontaneously share their opinions on workplace violence, an exercise that was particularly well received.

A largely concerned public

The coordinator of Renafess points out that Convention 190 applies to all workers. “This convention is not specific to women; it concerns everyone, because it deals with the workplace. However, after several analyses, we realized that women, as a vulnerable group, are more affected. And beyond women, people with disabilities are also affected. Women often hold precarious jobs, which exposes them more to this violence.”

A plea that is still awaiting concrete action.

While Senegal committed to ratifying the Convention in Geneva in 2019, the process is still lagging. “On two occasions, the Head of State, in the Council of Ministers, requested that the ratification process be expedited. Today, the matter remains unresolved. That is why we are appealing to the President of the Republic to ratify this convention,” insists Ms. Samb.

She adds: "As long as Convention 190 is not ratified, you can clearly see, through the media, that there is a resurgence of violence. It is therefore necessary and urgent that the President of the Republic proceed with this ratification."

The caravan also delivered a memorandum to the governor. According to members of the delegation, "the governor demonstrated his commitment to combating violence, particularly in the workplace. He reassured the team of his willingness to monitor and support them, while expressing his hope for the swift ratification of the convention, which has already been discussed in the Council of Ministers."