Solons seek ratification of ILO treaty vs gender-based workplace violence

Lawmakers on Monday called for the Philippine ratification of the International Labor Organization Convention 190 (C-190), the Convention Concerning the Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the World of Work, as the treaty addresses the special concerns on the vulnerability of women in the workplace.

Albay Representative Edcel Lagman, Gabriela party-list lawmaker Arlene Brosas, and House Gender and Women Equality panel Chairperson Rachel Arenas of Pangasinan made the call to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

The occasion also saw the launch of an exhibit highlighting the  salient provisions of C-190, as well as policy recommendations to strengthen existing laws on protecting women from violence and harassment in the world of work.

Lagman said that C-190 emphasizes the right of everyone to work free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence and harassment.

The treaty also acknowledges that gender-based violence and harassment disproportionately affects women and girls and should be addressed with an inclusive, integrated, and gender-responsive approach.

C-190 defines gender-based violence and harassment as violence and harassment directed at persons because of their sex or gender, or affecting persons of a particular sex or gender disproportionately, and includes sexual harassment.

“The face of labor migration is now the face of a woman. In fact, almost 60% of Overseas Filipino Workers as of 2020 are women who are employed in services, mostly household employment," Lagman said in his speech.

He added that the most perilous places in the world of work are the private homes of foreign employers where women workers are usually subjected to physical and sexual violence.

“As more women become part of the workforce, both domestically and globally, then the relevance and importance of ILO C-190 cannot be overemphasized. In the Philippines, data from the Philippine Statistics Office show that almost 50% of the workforce are women workers,” Lagman added.

In addition, Lagman said that violence against women constituted a serious violation of human rights, with United Nations entities reporting that violence against women and girls is not only one of the worst forms of discrimination but also the most widespread and pervasive human rights violation in the world.

“Accordingly, let me congratulate the Gabriela Women’s Partylist, the Committee on Women and Gender Equality, and the Department of Labor and Employment, as well as parliamentarians and advocates, for being in the forefront in the campaign for the ratification of ILO C-190 as we mark November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women," Lagman added.

"Together, we shall succeed in making every home, space and workplace a peaceful sanctuary for women and girls.”

Brosas, for her part, noted that women workers in the Philippines have become extremely vulnerable to violence and abuse, characterized by low wages, lack of benefits, union busting, and unsafe work conditions.

“These are why the launching of this network and exhibit is timely as we ramp up all efforts to fight gender-based discrimination and violence in the world of work. Now, more than ever, we must broaden our alliances and networks to highlight the issues of women workers and enjoin all advocates in addressing the worsening economic crisis,” she said.

“Panawagan ng Gabriela Women's Party na i-ratify ng Marcos Jr. administration ang C190 na mag-aaddress ng policy-making gaps sa usapin ng karahasan sa kababaihan sa mundo ng paggawa," Brosas added.

Arenas, in closing, said gender-based violence on women was so pervasive that it was likely every woman, including lawmakers, became a victim of such violence or knows someone who has been at the receiving end of such aggression.

“Everyone of us has experienced harassment of various kinds in our workplace. We hear the same plight from our constituents, including online harassment and other tactics to scare women to submission. This is the same for those who work abroad,” Arenas said.

“While the Philippines has laws and policies that value gender equality, ILO C190 will enhance these, especially in the workplace setting. This is a call to action and deep commitment to see this ILO C190 come to life, not only in our country, but in the whole world,” Arenas added. — DVM, GMA Integrated News