Pan-Europe: Women unionists vow more ILO C190 ratifications

Over 30 BWI affiliates from different countries in the Pan-European region took action to celebrate this year’s International Women’s Month. 

Amplifying BWI’s dual themes of “Equal and Better Future for All” and “No Recovery without Gender Equality,” the women trade unionists pledged to continue their campaigns to persuade more countries to ratify International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention No. 190 on the Violence and Harassment at Workplaces. 

The region’s women trade union leaders said that they were inspired by Italy’s ratification of the convention and expressed hope that other European countries will follow suit. 

Putting flesh to the idea of an “equal and better future for all,” BWI’s women affiliates in Europe pointed to better work opportunities for women workers in the building and construction, and the wood and forestry industries. They said that these industries should welcome and take care of workers regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, ethnic background, or disability. They explained that better opportunities should come in the form of equal pay, adequate occupational health and safety measures, including PPEs, and equal and adequate social protection programs. 

“Safe and equal working environments in construction sites could only be possible by eliminating the macho and sexist culture prevalent in these places, such as gender-offensive language and behavior. By putting a stop to sexism, we can take a big step towards a world of work free of gender-based violence and harassment,” said BWI European Regional Women’s Committee Chair Josefine Krantz, who is also from Malarna, Sweden.