Insults. Threats. Beatings. Bullying. Intimidation. Humiliation. Stalking. Being touched inappropriately. Abuse because of colour, tribe, gender, disability or pregnancy. These are just a few of the challenges workers in Zambia are confronted with daily.  

To effectively address and eliminate these barriers of socio-economic growth, the Zambian government urgently needs to ratify the International Labour Organisation's landmark Convention on Violence and Harassment (C190). This historic treaty recognises every worker's fundamental right to be free from all forms of violence and harassment in the world of work including gender-based violence.

Zambian employers and the government supported the adoption of the Convention two years ago. Countries including Nambia, Mauritius, Italy, Somalia to mention a few, have ratified the Convention. Now, it's time for Zambia to step up and support the ratification and implementation of C190.

Your Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema, to free the world of work from violence and harassment the Zambian government needs to eliminate any practice that routinely causes pain and injury to workers.

In the recent past, as citizens, we have read, listened to, and watched stories of workers in Zambia denied toilet or lunch breaks or annual leave, wages, harassed by cadres, sexually abused or denied work opportunities because of their tribe, colour, marital status or gender.

As a nation, let's change this narrative, C190 provides a clear roadmap because it:
1. Protects against all forms of violence and harassment in the world of work like during commuting to and from work, on and offline attacks on workers;
2. Protects all individuals in the world of work, irrespective of their contractual status, including volunteers, interns, apprentices, casuals and caregivers;
3. Recognises that family and domestic violence is an issue in the world of work and sets out specific measures that can be taken to protect workers;
4. Recognises that workers in some sectors, such as health, transport, education, retail, hospitality, banking, telecommunications, cross border trade, or those working at night or isolated areas, may be more exposed to violence and harassment and need special protections.

By way of this petition, Zambia joins the global community to raise awareness on violence and harassment in the world of work and the solutions provided in the Convention.

Sign this petition to remind President Hichilema, the Attorney General, Minister of Labour and Social Security, Minister of Justice, Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises, Speaker of the National Assembly, Members of Parliament and others to urgently commit to #RatifyC190 and make our world of work health, safe, and respectful.

Lastly, you do not have to suffer in silence. You have the power to stop violence and harassment. Talk to someone. If you need support or resources, join the conversation on Facebook: ZambiaRatifyC190 Twitter: @ZedRatifyC190, Linkedin: @ZambiaRatifyC190. With each post, tweet, share or tag President Hakainde, your MP, Ward Councillor, religious leader, employer or co-workers.