In November 2024, a transformative training session was held in Cape Town, South Africa, aimed at promoting the application of the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention 190. Convention 190 requires signatory states to protect workers from violence and harassment in the workplace. Organized by the Council of Global Unions (CGU) LGBTI Coordinating Committee, this session convened twenty participants, mainly from Southern African unions, as a precursor to the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) World Conference, and sought to engage LGBTQ+ workers with ILO C190.
Addressing Workplace Violence and Harassment
Workshop Goals and Challenges
In many Southern African countries, LGBTQI+ individuals face significant legal and social hostility, compelling them to often conceal their sexual identities. The workshop, led by researcher Nina Benjamin, focused on how ILO C190 can eliminate workplace violence and harassment, despite resistance from some African unions to apply the convention to LGBTQI+ workers. Benjamin emphasized the importance of demonstrating the convention’s potential to protect everyone, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity, encouraging participants to leverage the convention as a tool for advocacy.
Participants shared their personal experiences of prejudice, harassment, and legal challenges faced in their home countries. Michael Ndholvu, a union activist from Zimbabwe, highlighted the severe limitations imposed by his nation’s sodomy laws, which not only criminalize same-sex relations but also hinder his union’s ability to advocate for LGBTQI+ rights. This results in a complex environment where advocating for fundamental rights is fraught with risk and potential legal repercussions. Despite these challenges, the workshop provided a platform for solidarity and mutual support among participants, reinforcing the importance of such training sessions.
Legal and Social Hostilities
The sentiment echoed by Ndholvu was further mirrored by other participants from Southern African nations where same-sex marriage is criminalized. Namibian LGBTQ+ community leaders, for example, face constant threats and are under pressure from pending legislation, which could impose severe penalties for same-sex marriage. In Namibia, even the act of advocating for LGBTQI+ rights can result in serious personal and professional repercussions. Such legal constraints exacerbate the social isolation and stigmatization experienced by LGBTQI+ workers, making workplace advocacy all the more critical.
The workshop served as a poignant reminder of the daily struggles faced by many LGBTQI+ individuals in the workplace, but it also highlighted the potential for collective action and mutual support. By coming together and sharing their stories, participants found strength in unity and a renewed sense of purpose. This solidarity is crucial in regions where being openly LGBTQI+ can lead to severe consequences. The insights gained during the session empowered participants to return to their respective unions with concrete strategies to advocate for their rights, backed by the provisions of ILO C190.
Building a Path Towards Inclusion
Providing Tools and Inspiration
Despite the daunting challenges, the C190 workshop in Cape Town offered hope and a roadmap for action. The training included a manual that outlined steps for implementing positive changes within their unions and workplaces. Participants were encouraged to take up leadership roles to ensure that LGBTQI+ voices, especially lesbians, are represented and heard. The aspiration to seek leadership roles was shared by the author of the account, who wished to make a difference within her union. However, she also acknowledged the hardships faced by lesbian workers, such as ostracism, including being shunned while showering after shifts or being compelled to wear dresses despite their masculine presentation.
During the workshop, discussions not only addressed the immediate challenges but also offered strategies to tackle these issues head-on. The inclusion of a comprehensive manual provided participants with actionable insights and practical steps to advocate for workplace equality. The sessions underscored the critical role of allies within the unions and emphasized the necessity of building a supportive network that amplifies marginalized voices. The resolve to push for change and the shared experiences helped build a strong foundation for future advocacy and empowerment.
The Power of Solidarity
The session underscored the importance of solidarity and advocacy, reinforcing the idea that collective effort is essential in striving for a workplace free from violence and discrimination. Participants recounted powerful instances of solidarity that had made significant differences in their fight for rights. One particularly memorable phrase shared during the session came from a Lebanese trans woman at ILGA: “Look for us, and you will find us,” which highlighted the importance of visibility and mutual support. This phrase resonated deeply with attendees, reinforcing their commitment to be visible advocates for change within their communities and workplaces.
Through shared experiences and mutual support, the participants left the workshop with a renewed sense of hope and resilience. The emphasis on solidarity means that returning to their respective countries, these individuals are equipped not only with knowledge but also with the inspiration to create more inclusive and supportive environments. The workshop affirmed that change is possible, and that by working together, LGBTQI+ workers can make significant strides towards a better and more inclusive world of work.
Steps Forward
The Importance of Advocacy
The C190 workshop in Cape Town concluded on an optimistic note, reaffirming that ILO C190 is a crucial tool for advocating for minority rights and combatting workplace violence and discrimination. The collective efforts and shared experiences of the participants highlighted the importance of continuous advocacy and support. The overall message was one of hope and resilience, emphasizing that a more inclusive and respectful workplace is within reach through united action. The sessions offered practical tools and strategies to empower LGBTQI+ workers and enhance their ability to fight for their rights.
Throughout the workshop, the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment was a recurring theme. Participants were reminded that advocating for LGBTQI+ rights is an ongoing process that requires persistence and collective action. The experiences shared during the session highlighted the critical role of unions and allies in advancing these rights.
Creating an Inclusive Future
In November 2024, a significant training session took place in Cape Town, South Africa, focusing on the enforcement of the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention 190. This convention mandates that member states protect workers from violence and harassment in their workplaces. The Council of Global Unions (CGU) LGBTI Coordinating Committee organized the event, which brought together twenty participants, mainly from unions in Southern Africa. This session acted as a prelude to the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) World Conference. Its primary goal was to engage LGBTQ+ workers and familiarize them with ILO Convention 190, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding these workers from discrimination and creating a safer working environment for all. By drawing attention to this convention, the training aimed to ensure that LGBTQ+ workers understand their rights and the mechanisms in place to protect them from workplace violence and harassment, ultimately fostering inclusion and equality in professional spaces across different regions.