Phnom Penh: On the occasion of the 115th International Women’s Day on March 8, 2026, representatives of trade unions, civil society organizations, and citizens called on the Royal Government of Cambodia to ratify ILO Convention No. 190 concerning Violence and Harassment in the World of Work.

The 115th International Women’s Day on March 8, 2026, is observed under the theme “Together to Eliminate Gender-Based Violence and Harassment in the World of Work.”

In 2022, the International Labour Organization published its first-ever global report on experiences of violence and harassment, revealing that one in five people (22.8 percent, or 743 million) had encountered at least one form of violence and harassment in their working lives. Sexual violence and harassment in the workplace shows the starkest gender disparity, with 8.2 percent of women affected compared to 5.0 percent of men, and young women experiencing it at twice the rate of young men.

Gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) is a major driver of the gender pay gap and loss of earning potential, particularly for women and vulnerable groups. It represents a significant barrier to women’s and vulnerable groups’ full and effective participation in the workforce, imposing substantial costs on businesses and the economy through reduced productivity. On June 21, 2019, the ILO adopted Convention No. 190 and Recommendation No. 206, which aim to eliminate violence and harassment in the world of work and recognize it as a global issue.

ILO Convention No. 190 is the International Labour Organization’s first instrument dedicated to violence and harassment in the world of work. It affirms everyone’s right to a workplace free from violence and harassment, including GBVH. The Convention applies to all workers regardless of contractual status—including those in the informal economy—and stresses the need to transform workplace culture to address root causes while ensuring access to remedies.

Recognizing the importance of ratification and integration of ILO Convention No. 190 both globally and in Cambodia, 20 trade unions and civil society organizations established the ILO-C190 Mobilization Task Force in June 2021. The group has since expanded to include more than 50 participating trade unions and non-governmental organizations.

The task force aims to raise awareness of GBVH, mobilize relevant stakeholders to advocate for ratification, build a credible evidence base to urge government action, and promote legislative reforms aligned with Convention No. 190 and Recommendation No. 206.

In accordance with regular task force meetings and to coincide with the annual International Women’s Day observance, the group will hold a gathering on March 5, 2026, involving approximately 100 workers, employees, trade unionists, government officials, civil society representatives, community members, and the public. The event will celebrate and commemorate the 115th International Women’s Day under the theme “Together to eliminate gender-based violence and harassment in the world of work.”

The gathering seeks to raise awareness about the forms and impacts of GBVH in the workplace and highlight the benefits of ILO Convention No. 190 for workers, employers, and society in addressing GBVH;

To mobilize support and strengthen cooperation among civil society, youth, and workers to advocate on GBVH and tackle gender equality challenges faced by women workers; and to submit petitions and seek endorsements from relevant institutions.