ITUC-Africa's Joel Odigie Calls for ILO Convention 190 Action

At the 2nd ITUC-Africa Women’s Biennial Conference in Lomé, Togo, Comrade Joel Odigie, the General Secretary of ITUC-Africa, called for a renewed push for the ratification of ILO Convention 190, aimed at eliminating violence and harassment in the workplace. He expressed concern over the declining momentum for this ratification, which had previously gained significant traction two years ago.

Odigie highlighted the importance of creating safer working environments through the adoption of a sexual harassment policy by affiliate unions. He noted that inadequate resources hinder the implementation of gender-related commitments and reported that the organization received 57 responses from 51 trade union organizations across 27 African countries.

Odigie also pointed out the increasing incorporation of women's issues into collective bargaining and the rise of women in trade union leadership due to affirmative action and gender quotas. He emphasized the need for unions to prioritize women in the informal economy and develop a roadmap for 2026–2028 to enhance women's participation and protection against violence.