BE, ILO LAUNCH WORKPLACE VIOLENCE, HARASSMENT TRAINING

MBABANE - Eswatini has taken a bold step towards safer and more inclusive workplaces. In a landmark move to address workplace violence and harassment, Business Eswatini (BE), in partnership with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), has launched the first in a series of transformative training sessions under the banner ‘Prevention and Management of Violence and Harassment in the Workplace’.

The initiative, which kicked off on Tuesday, marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s efforts to foster safer, more respectful and productive work environments.  
The training, which will be rolled out throughout the year, is designed to equip employers, employees and key stakeholders with the tools and knowledge needed to combat workplace violence and harassment. It comes at a critical time when businesses worldwide are increasingly recognising the importance of creating inclusive and dignified workplaces.  

Initiative

In his opening remarks, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BE, Nathi Dlamini, emphasised the significance of the initiative, stating that it marks a significant step forward in their collective mission to create safer, more dignified and productive workplaces across Eswatini and beyond. “This training is more than just a programme, it is a movement. It represents a shift in how we view and address workplace culture,” he said. Dlamini said the collaboration between BE and ILO underscores the importance of global partnerships in tackling systemic workplace challenges.

He said that ILO, a long-standing advocate for decent work and social justice, brings to the table its expertise, resources and the landmark ILO Convention C190, the first international treaty to explicitly address violence and harassment in the world of work. The CEO highlighted the value of this partnership, noting: “The ILO has been a steadfast partner to Business Eswatini in our efforts to combat workplace violence and harassment. Their expertise, resources and global perspective will be instrumental in shaping this initiative. Together, we are not only addressing a critical issue, but also setting a standard for workplaces worldwide.”

Challenges

He highlighted that workplace violence and harassment are pervasive issues that affect employees across industries, sectors and geographies. He said these challenges not only harm individuals, but also erode organisational productivity, morale and reputation. According to ILO, workplace violence and harassment can lead to increased absenteeism, higher turnover rates and significant financial losses for businesses.

The VH@Work training is designed to address these issues head-on and over the course of three days, participants will gain insights into international labour standards, learn to identify and mitigate risks and develop actionable strategies to create safer workplaces.The training also emphasises the importance of moving from awareness to action, ensuring that policies are not just written, but effectively implemented. “This training is about changing the landscape of the workplace.

It is about ensuring that every employee, regardless of their role or background, feels safe, valued and empowered to contribute their best,” said Dlamini. The launch of the VH@Work training is a call to action for the business community in Eswatini as detailed by Dlamini. He mentioned that it challenges employers, HR professionals and employee representatives to take a proactive stance against workplace violence and harassment. He further revealed that by participating in this initiative, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to fostering inclusive and respectful work environments.  

Commitment

The CEO urged participants to embrace the opportunity, saying: “Your presence here demonstrates your commitment to building workplaces that are not only productive, but also inclusive and respectful. Let us work together to change the landscape of the workplace for the better.” The fight against workplace violence and harassment is not a one-time effort but an ongoing journey.

BE’s partnership with ILO and the launch of the VH@Work Training signals a new era of collaboration and commitment to creating workplaces, where dignity and respect are non-negotiable. As the CEO concluded: “With the support of the ILO, the dedication of Business Eswatini, and the active participation of all of you, I am confident that we can create a future where every workplace is a safe haven of respect and dignity.”

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