Domestication of ILO Convention 190 and ZCTU Gender Policy Implementation

The domestication of ILO Convention 190 alongside the implementation of ZCTU's Gender Policy 2024 represents a crucial step forward in advancing gender justice within Zambian workplaces.

The Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has demonstrated its commitment to gender equality through its recently revised Gender Policy 2024 and the comprehensive Participatory Gender Audit (PGA) conducted in 2021. The findings from the PGA revealed significant gaps in gender mainstreaming, including the need for stronger institutional frameworks and enhanced capacity for implementing gender-responsive policies. The International Labour Organization's Convention 190 (C190) on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work represents a crucial international standard that aligns with ZCTU's commitment to creating safe, inclusive workplaces. The domestication of C190, combined with effective implementation of ZCTU's Gender Policy, presents a strategic opportunity to advance gender justice in Zambian workplaces.

This two-day workshop that took place in March 2025, aimed to create a comprehensive framework for the domestication of ILO C190 within ZCTU's affiliate unions while simultaneously strengthening the implementation mechanisms for ZCTU's Gender Policy and Anti Sexual Harassment . The workshop will focused on building capacity for gender-responsive collective bargaining, ensuring that union representatives are equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively advocate for gender equality in the workplace.The focus of the workshop was on enhancing understanding of C190 provisions and their practical application in the Zambian context, ensuring that union leaders and representatives can effectively implement these standards within their respective organizations. Participants will work together to develop concrete action plans for implementing ZCTU's Gender Policy across affiliated unions, establishing clear timelines and responsibilities, thereby, strengthening technical capacity for gender mainstreaming in collective bargaining processes, providing practical tools and strategies for negotiating gender-responsive agreements. 

The workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from across ZCTU and its affiliates. Participants included ZCTU Gender Focal Points from affiliated unions who lead gender mainstreaming efforts, Union Negotiators and Collective Bargaining Representatives who directly engage in workplace negotiations, Women's Committee Representatives who provide crucial perspectives on gender issues, and Youth Committee Representatives who ensure intergenerational perspectives are considered. T

The domestication of ILO Convention 190 alongside the implementation of ZCTU's Gender Policy 2024 represents a crucial step forward in advancing gender justice within Zambian workplaces. This therefore, was a timely and strategic platform to translate international standards and national policies into practical actions. By bringing together its affiliates, the workshop will strengthen ZCTU's capacity to promote safe, inclusive workplaces while establishing sustainable mechanisms for monitoring and advancing gender equality. The outcomes of the workshop are intended to contribute significantly to ZCTU's ongoing commitment to gender transformation and workplace justice, setting a strong foundation for continued progress in the years ahead.