The Women Commission Workshop on “Ending Violence and Harassment at the Workplace: The Role of Trade Unions” jointly organized by The Organization of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) and the Central Organization of Trade Unions (Cotu-K) today 16th September 2019 at the Sarova Stanley Hotel, in Narobi- Kenya, has officially opened.

The opening ceremony , happening in The Churchill Ballroom of the Hotel, started with the Kenyan National Anthem followed by a Word of Prayer to commit the Works of the Seminar.

The President of OATUU and Secretary General of COTU-K, Dr. Francis ATWOLI, OATUU Secretary General Comrade Arezki MEZHOUD and OATUU President of the Women Commission Sister Mariah FERNANDA addressed the meeting.

The ceremony was highlighted by the presence of Prof. Margaret KOBIA, The Cabinet Secretary in the Minister of Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs of Kenya.

“Violence and Harassment at workplace  are violence of Human rights which is incompatible with Decent work“

Addressing the Meeting, Sister Mariah FERNANDA expressed her gratitude to COTU-K for the organization of this great workshop with a Special Thanks to President Francis ATWOLI. She said “Violence and Harassment at workplace  are violence of Human rights which is incompatible with Decent work“. She urged women to take the responsibility to fight for “our” decent work.

For Sister Mariah, this workshop constitutes a great opportunity for Women to design a new agenda to create a working environment free of violence and harassment and Come out with achievable plans that will help changing women workplace conditions.

“Women are the future of Africa”

Comrade Arezki MEZHOUD in is address also saluted the presence of Pr. Margaret KOBIA and Conrade Abdoulaye Lelouma Diallo, OATUU Representative at the ILO Office in Geneva. He also thanked COTU-K for the wonderful reception and the hospitality.

On the issue of Violence and Harassment at Workplace, Comrade Arezki acknowledged that women are more affected than men, for this reason, “Women are in a better position to express themselves on the subject’‘.

He added OATUU will always support and Strengthen the Women Commission as “Women are the future of Africa” . For the Secretary General, Women are better positioned to lead this fight in Africa.

Dr. Francis ATWOLI saluted the presence Pr. Margaret KOBIA. In his address, the President acknowledged Sister Mariah as a Great Woman.

Regarding the subject, Dr. ATWOLI suggested that the workshop should narrow the subject on how Women are affected by this situation. He mentioned the New adopted ILO Convention, Convention 190 as a “particular key” to us.

Pr. Margaret KOBIA officially opened the Workshop.

A hundred people composed of women and men attended the opening. The opening ceremony rounded off with a group photo of all the attendees.