MENA: Empowering women unionists for safe and just workplaces

On October 28-29, 2024, BWI, in partnership with 3F, organised a workshop in Amman, Jordan, focused on implementing ILO Convention 190 and Recommendation 206. These critical standards address violence and harassment in workplaces, an issue especially relevant to women in the construction sector across the MENA region. The workshop brought together 17 women union representatives from Tunisia, Bahrain, Palestine, Lebanon, and Jordan, underscoring the urgent need for safe and inclusive work environments.

Held amid a backdrop of social and political challenges, particularly in conflict-affected areas like Palestine and Lebanon, the gathering provided a forum for addressing the unique vulnerabilities facing women in these regions. Many women workers, particularly refugees, experience precarious and often unsafe working conditions, facing increased exposure to violence and harassment. Recognizing these realities, the participants called for more robust, coordinated efforts to secure workplace safety and dignity for women, especially in high-risk zones. 

The workshop produced a strategic action plan with clear recommendations for both immediate and medium-term impact. In the short term, participants advocated for intensified awareness and training initiatives on Convention 190 and Recommendation 206. These initiatives aim to educate workers about their rights and ensure that protective measures against workplace violence are known and accessible. Special emphasis was placed on informing women in vulnerable situations and ensuring they have support and resources to safely report abuse or harassment.

For the medium term, the group emphasised the need for a policy shift through collective bargaining and dialogue with local governments and employers. This includes pushing for contractual clauses in labor agreements that offer explicit protections against workplace violence and harassment, as well as establishing confidential reporting channels and support systems for affected women. With these measures, union leaders in the region are laying the groundwork for meaningful change that addresses the specific needs of women workers, ensuring that safe working conditions and respect for their dignity become a standard across sectors.

In the words of Mr Mahmoud Alhayari president of GTUCW “By embracing the principles of Convention 190 and Recommendation 206, we aim to create a safe, fair workplace that champions the rights and dignity of all workers, especially those most vulnerable to violence and exploitation.”

This workshop, organised by BWI and 3F, stands as a testament to the resilience and commitment of women unionists in the MENA region, who continue to lead the charge toward a just transition that secures both worker protection and gender equality in challenging times.