WINDHOEK: Over 60 officials from the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) were recently trained to become change agents for the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Convention 190, which addresses the elimination of violence and harassment in the workplace.
The convention protects workers and other people in the workplace such as volunteers, customers, and individuals performing an employer’s official duties or responsibilities, among others.
The workshop, attended by 64 police officials from all 14 regions, took place in Windhoek from 26 to 28 June 2024 and covered aspects such as visioning a new work culture, understanding how power works, and working together to build a Namibia free from violence and harassment.
According to the Acting Executive Director of the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations, and Employment Creation, Aune Piudjanima, in a media statement on Wednesday, the officers, as change agents will further empower employees to instill dignity in the workplace and ensure a world free of vio
lence and harassment.
Piudjanima said the training is part of Namibia’s continuous efforts to implement the requirements of Convention 190, which was ratified in December 2020, making it the third country globally and the first in Africa to do so.
‘The convention calls for the provision of guidance, resources, training, and awareness-raising campaigns to combat violence and harassment in the world of work. To support the implementation of this convention, the ILO trained 15 masters of trainers in 2021, who have been instrumental in educating and empowering change agents across various sectors,’ she said.
The training ensures that police officers are not only aware of the standards set by Convention 190, but are also equipped with the knowledge and skills to apply these standards within their work environments.
‘The Namibian Police Force is the competent authority in Namibia in dealing with violence and harassment in the workplace and Namibia remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting a workplace fre
e from violence and harassment, ensuring that every worker, including those in law enforcement, can perform their duties in a safe and supportive environment,’ Piudjanima said.
Since 01 April 2022, the masters of trainers have successfully trained 321 change agents in different sectors of the economy.
Source: The Namibia Press Agency