The ILO and UN Women supported a meeting in Kyrgyzstan to promote the implementation of the ILO Convention No. 190, aimed at addressing violence and harassment in the workplace. The meeting marked Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to enhancing gender equality and improving labor laws as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, fostering cooperative dialogue among key stakeholders.
On November 26, 2024, the Parliament Council on the Rights of Women, Children, and Gender Equality of the Kyrgyz Republic initiated discussions on the implementation of the ILO Convention No. 190 concerning Violence and Harassment. During the meeting, convened to coincide with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, prominent authorities expressed their commitment to eradicating gender-based violence and reaffirmed the importance of safe work environments.
The ILO and UN Women supported the gathering, leading to discussions about the experiences of Central Asian women leaders and the evaluation of existing national policies. Antje Grawe, UN Resident Coordinator in Kyrgyzstan, emphasized the necessity of addressing gender-based violence as a cornerstone of achieving gender equality, citing the country’s ratification of ILO Convention No. 190 in June 2024 as a significant advancement in workplace rights.
Ms. Özge Berber Agtaş, a representative from the ILO, initiated a series of policy dialogues aimed at combating violence and harassment in the workforce. To aid this effort, discussions included international legislative practices, action items suggested by the Ministry of Labour, and legislative amendments that align with ILO standards in Kyrgyzstan. Important resolutions were adopted to encourage ongoing developments in labor law additives that adhere to these provisions.
The Kyrgyz Parliament has shown proactive engagement by facilitating an extensive exchange of knowledge and practices among various stakeholders, aiming to create safer workplaces across the nation. The meeting included over 40 participants from various sectors, indicating a united front against workplace violence. Ms. Gulsharkhan Kultaeva communicated the Parliament’s intention to not only amend legislation but to foster empowering conditions for vulnerable worker groups.
As a pivotal step, the Parliamentary Council’s meeting resolved to guide the Cabinet of Ministers in the effective implementation of C190, marking the beginning of a concerted effort that seeks meaningful transformation in workplace safety for all citizens in Kyrgyzstan.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 190 was adopted in 2019 as a global standard aimed at preventing violence and harassment in the workplace. The Kyrgyz Republic ratified this convention in June 2024, taking the lead in Central Asia regarding workplace safety initiatives. The current policy dialogues and meetings have been conducted in the context of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, underscoring the urgency and importance of addressing issues related to gender-based violence as part of broader workforce policies. The discussions have highlighted the need for legislative reforms that reflect the provisions of C190, including gender-sensitive budgeting and support for marginalized groups within the labor market.
The meetings convened by the Kyrgyz Parliament signify a crucial advancement in promoting workplace safety and tackling gender-based violence through the implementation of ILO Convention No. 190. Authorities underlined their commitment to facilitate discussions and legislative reforms that ensure the protection of all workers, focusing on the essential need for safe and equitable work environments. The results from these dialogues will provide a foundation for developing comprehensive legal frameworks necessary for meaningful change.
Original Source: www.ilo.org
