UNDP and ILO collaborate to address violence and harassment in the world of work

YEREVAN (ILO News) - on 10 December 2024, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) joined forces to host a pivotal event at the UN House in Yerevan. This initiative was part of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign, which seeks to foster a tripartite dialogue on eliminating gender-based violence against women and girls in the world of work. The event emphasized the transformative power of fostering respectful, inclusive, and violence-free workplaces, showcasing key tools such as the ILO’s C190 - Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019, and the UNDP’s Gender Equality Seal for the Private Sector.

© ILO

© ILO

Uniting stakeholders for change

Under the global campaign theme, “Every 11 Minutes, a Woman is Killed. #NoExcuse. UNiTE to End Violence Against Women,” the event brought together a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including representatives from governmental structures, workers’ organizations, employers’ organizations, the private sector, and civil society organizations. This diverse participation underscored the critical need for collective action in addressing and preventing gender-based violence and advancing equality in the world of work.

© ILO

© ILO

Key discussions and insights

The event opened with speeches by Zhora Sargsyan, Head of Labour and Employment Department, MLSA, Zhanna Harutyunyan, UNDP Gender Equality Portfolio Manager, and Nver Sargsyan, Project Coordinator, ILO PILRAT project, who in their opening remarks reiterated the urgent need to combat all forms of violence and harassment, emphasizing the role of institutional collaboration in creating safer, inclusive and more equitable environments for women and girls.

© ILO

© ILO

The program featured two insightful presentations that highlighted practical tools and strategies for fostering workplace inclusivity.

The first one was on ILO’s C190 - Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190), delivered by Özge Berber Agtaş, Gender Equality and Non-Discrimination Specialist at the ILO. This session provided an exploration of C190’s provisions. Berber Agtaş emphasized how the ratification and implementation of this ground-breaking convention can pave the way for equal and safer workplaces in Armenia, setting a gold standard for the protection of workers’ rights.

Zhora Sargsyan, Head of the Labour and Employment Department of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MLSA), informed participants that the process of ratifying C190 is already underway, with feedback from various agencies currently being incorporated.

Varduhi Brutyan, Head of the Training and Research Center of the Confederation of Trade Unions of Armenia, highlighted the crucial role of developing the education system, particularly within the context of social dialogue.

Lilit Adamyan, CEO of the Republican Union of Employers of Armenia, stated that their organization is committed to supporting employers in aligning with C190 principles by participating in the development of strategies, policies, and guidelines to promote its implementation.

Ara Mkrtchyan, Head of the Labour Law Supervision Unit, underscored the importance of enhancing the institutional capacity of the Health and Labour Inspection Body (HLIB). He emphasized the need for deliberate work on establishing mechanisms to prevent and address violence and harassment and for improving the skills and professional capabilities of labour inspectors to ensure effective supervision.

Nver Sargsyan, Project Coordinator, PILRAT, quoted Mikhail Pouchkin, Director, ILO Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, saying: “As we move forward, I encourage all stakeholders - government representatives, employers, trade unions, and civil society - to join forces in promoting the principles of C190. Together, we can create workplaces defined by safety dignity, and equality, ensuring no one is left behind”.

The second session was dedicated to the UNDP’s Gender Equality Seal for the Private Sector. Introduced by Zhanna Harutyunyan UNDP Gender Equality Portfolio Manager and Andrea Castano Gender Policy Analyst on Economy and Private Sector, CO/RSCPA, this presentation explored the Gender Equality Seal initiative. As an innovative framework for businesses, the Seal empowers organizations to adopt and strengthen gender-sensitive practices, thereby advancing workplace equity and contributing to broader societal change.

© ILO

© ILO

About the ILO PILRAT Project

The Promoting Implementation of Labour Rights in Armenia Together (PILRAT) project, implemented by the ILO and funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, is dedicated to enhancing compliance with labour legislation and improving access to judicial and non-judicial remedies in Armenia. This project plays a pivotal role in building a culture of respect, equity, and inclusion in workplaces across the country.

About the Platform#5: Accelerating economic opportunities for women in Armenia project

Platform#5: Accelerating economic opportunities for women in Armenia” project implemented by UNDP Armenia and funded by ADA, aims to provide better economic and career opportunities for vulnerable women in agriculture, unemployed women, and mid-career professionals at the local level. This will help them to lead productive professional life, build sustainable livelihoods, improve their families’ well-being, and contribute to the development of their communities.

A Call to Action

This event reinforced the collective commitment to eradicate violence against women and girls while fostering equitable and inclusive workplaces that value dignity and respect. Stakeholders emphasized the need for continued collaboration to address systemic challenges and promote a culture of inclusion.

For further information, please contact:

Lala Aslikyan, Senior Project Operations Assistant, PILRAT
Email: [email protected]