Kyrgyzstan’s Parliament held a meeting on November 26, 2024, to initiate discussions on the ILO Convention No. 190 as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The country, which was first in Central Asia to ratify this convention, emphasized its commitment to eradicating workplace violence and harassment. The discussions facilitated knowledge sharing and established a collaborative framework for future legislative amendments to protect workers’ rights and promote gender equality.
On November 26, 2024, the Kyrgyz Parliament convened to officially launch the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, focusing on the implementation of the ILO Convention No. 190, which addresses violence and harassment in the workplace. With support from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UN Women, the meeting included discussions about Kyrgyzstan’s efforts to uphold this pivotal convention, which was ratified in June 2024, making it the first country in Central Asia to do so.
The agenda highlighted findings from various initiatives such as the Central Asian Women Leaders’ Dialogue and the monitoring of the National Action Plan 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security. Key speakers, including Antje Grawe, the UN Resident Coordinator, emphasized the necessity of tackling gender-based violence as a fundamental step toward achieving gender equality in line with the 2030 Agenda.
Özge Berber Agtaş, ILO’s Gender Equality and Non-discrimination Specialist, introduced a series of policy dialogues aimed at preventing workplace violence and harassment. Recommendations were made to reform labor legislation to align with C190 provisions, fostering a collaborative platform for MPs, government officials, UN agencies, and international partners.
Vice-Speaker of the Parliament, Ms. Dzhamilya Isaeva, reiterated the importance of the Parliament’s commitment to uphold international standards in addressing workplace violence, while Ms. Gulsharkhan Kultaeva outlined the objective to not only amend laws but also create decent conditions for all workers, particularly vulnerable groups.
The Parliament’s Council adopted a resolution recommending that the Cabinet of Ministers take decisive actions towards the effective implementation of C190, signaling a critical advancement toward creating safe, fair workplaces in Kyrgyzstan.
The ILO Convention No. 190, ratified by Kyrgyzstan in June 2024, represents a global commitment to eliminating violence and harassment in the world of work. This convention provides a framework for countries to implement protective measures for all workers, emphasizing the need for safe working conditions as essential to gender equality. The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual campaign that highlights the fight against gender-based violence and promotes initiatives to address this critical issue, making it a fitting backdrop for the launch of discussions on C190’s implementation.
The recent policy dialogues in Kyrgyzstan signify a pivotal advancement toward safeguarding workplace rights and establishing a culture free from violence and harassment. Through collaboration between the government, international organizations, and civil society, the effective implementation of ILO Convention No. 190 is set to transform the working landscape in Kyrgyzstan, ultimately promoting gender equality and safeguarding the rights of all workers.
Original Source: www.ilo.org
