Botswana: The Mmabontle Circle, in partnership with the University of Botswana, hosted the INSIST ecosystem dialogue last night at the University of Botswana. The INSIST campaign aims to advocate for the world of work free from sexual harassment and violence.
When speaking at the INSIST Ecosystem Dialogue, Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, Tumiso Rakgare said the issue of sexual harassment & violence in the workplace is disheartening, noting that in this day and age, such behaviour still persists in offices and boardrooms creating a hostile working environment.
He added that coming together through the INSIST! Campaign and dialogue sessions addressing issues as professionals, academia, public institutions and corporate citizens, show unwavering support in making a collective commitment to fostering workplaces that are safe, respectful, and inclusive for all.
“No one should ever feel threatened, humiliated, or unsafe while pursuing their livelihood and, most importantly, while contributing to the economic growth and development of our beautiful Republic of Botswana“.
Minister Rakgare further urged the general public to meet the government halfway in tackling issues of violence and sexual harassment. He said the victims should come forth and report such cases in order to eliminate such ills.
For her part, Dr Tshepo Mogapaesi, a Law Lecturer at the University of Botswana, called on the government to ratify Convention 190 of the International Labour Organization (ILO), which recognizes the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence and harassment.
She noted that ratification of the C190 will create an enabling environment for the adoption of comprehensive legislative provisions and implementation measures towards eradicating sexual harassment.
David Mnjama, Labour Law Specialist from the Institute of Labour and Employment Studies (ILES), pointed out that sexual harassment cases get scrapped in the workplace before reaching industrial courts due to management trying to protect the image of the company, which leads to perpetrators getting away with such offences.
He called on the legislation to also include job seekers in Acts such as the Employment Act so that they can be protected and covered when coming across such incidents.