WCIC calls for safer workplaces for women, urges ratification of ILO Convention 190

The Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) has renewed calls for the creation of safe and inclusive workplaces for women in Sri Lanka, free from Gender-Based Violence and Harassment (GBVH), while urging the ratification of the International Labour Organization’s Convention 190 (C190).

WCIC has been actively working to address GBVH in both corporate and entrepreneurial environments, enabling women to participate meaningfully in the economy. In collaboration with the Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), the Chamber undertook extensive research over recent years to understand the lived experiences of professional women and women entrepreneurs across the country.

Speaking on behalf of WCIC, Project Chair Tusitha Kumarakulasingam stated that through its latest CIPE-supported initiative, the Chamber aims to move beyond dialogue and towards meaningful action to address workplace GBVH. The research revealed that while GBVH is increasingly discussed within organizational agendas, concrete and effective actions remain limited.

Awareness of what constitutes gender-based violence and harassment is still low, with many women failing to recognize certain behaviors as offences. Bullying emerged as the most prevalent form of harassment, followed by discrimination and sexual or physical harassment. Women entrepreneurs reported higher exposure to sexual and physical harassment compared to professional women.

The survey, conducted by Kantar Sri Lanka, also highlighted a lack of confidence in existing grievance mechanisms. Although some respondents were aware of human resource complaint procedures, many doubted their fairness and effectiveness. Alarmingly, 80% of women who experienced GBVH took no action, citing fear of career repercussions, victim-blaming, and disbelief.

Awareness of legal protections, support services and relevant laws was found to be minimal.

Beyond its human impact, GBVH carries a significant economic cost. A 2022 International Finance Corporation (IFC) study estimated that workplace violence and harassment led to the loss of nearly six working days per employee annually, costing nine Sri Lankan companies at least USD 1.7 million. At a global level, the United Nations estimates that violence against women accounts for approximately 2% of global GDP.

WCIC emphasized that ratifying ILO Convention 190 would provide a comprehensive and sustainable framework to address GBVH. However, the Chamber noted that progress depends on strong government commitment to ensure safe, decent, and equitable workplaces for women across Sri Lanka.

Source: Daily News