Little understood and still poorly documented in Africa, incidents of violence and harassment in the workplace are scourges that undermine both human development and labour productivity. Violence and harassment in the world of work constitute a universal phenomenon that remains largely invisible, under-reported or underestimated, according to a report recently published by the ILO (International Labour Organisation).
Yet this scourge constitutes a violation of human rights, and international organisations are gradually recognising the right of every person to a safe, inclusive working environment free from violence and harassment, regardless of employment status or sector of activity, whether formal or informal.
This report, one of four conducted internationally, focuses specifically on three French-speaking West African countries: Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal.
Indeed, whilst this phenomenon is universal, research carried out in these three countries shows that “ it is particularly pronounced there and is rooted in social, economic and organisational structures characterised by informality, vulnerability, gender inequalities and weak prevention and protection mechanisms ”, writes the ILO.
We learn that more than one in two workers has already been exposed to violence and harassment in the workplace in Côte d’Ivoire (58%) and Senegal (65%), and nearly one in two in Burkina Faso (43%). Psychological violence and harassment are the most widespread forms. However, these phenomena are often part of a pattern that combines physical or sexual violence and harassment, reinforcing workers’ dependency and vulnerability.
Without going into the details of the figures, we can see that young people and older people experience high levels of exposure to violence and harassment at work. Women are more affected by sexual violence and harassment, whilst men are more exposed to physical violence. The service sector has the highest rates of exposure: men more so in market services and women in non-market services. Conversely, the agricultural sector and skilled agricultural workers have the lowest rates. A hindrance to quality of work These phenomena do not arise out of nowhere, the researchers write. They are the result of a “ continuum of social, economic, organisational and gender-related determinants ”. Namely, asymmetrical power relations, economic dependence, stigmatisation, precarious and informal working conditions, a lack of awareness of rights, incomplete legal frameworks, and inadequate prevention, reporting and redress mechanisms. “ These factors reinforce one another, structurally exposing all workers, even though certain groups remain particularly vulnerable .”
Of course, violence and harassment are not confined to the workplace. They occur on public transport, online – including in remote working – and in client, family and school relationships. Men remain the majority of perpetrators across all forms, but women can also perpetrate certain forms of violence and harassment, particularly psychological and physical abuse, often between women.
Consequences: “ Violence and harassment in the workplace have significant repercussions on workers’ well-being and their performance at work. ” Mental health is particularly affected: nearly two in five victims in Côte d’Ivoire (36%) and Senegal (39%), and one in two victims in Burkina Faso, report a deterioration in their mental health.
The analyses also show a marked increase in levels of depression, anxiety and stress among victims, who exhibit nearly twice as many symptoms as non-victims. Women and young workers appear particularly vulnerable, and poor working conditions tend to exacerbate the severity of these effects.
As might be expected, violence and harassment in the workplace also have direct repercussions on physical health and work performance: a decline in confidence, motivation and productivity, increased absenteeism, but also reduced worker satisfaction with their income, their job or their working hours. Towards a holistic approach In the face of these phenomena, legal and institutional frameworks remain limited and fragmented, whilst such mechanisms are often little known or difficult to access, particularly for the most vulnerable workers.
The report states that around 40% of victims never report acts of violence and harassment at work. In Burkina Faso and Senegal, women report acts of violence and harassment more frequently than men, whereas in Côte d’Ivoire, the trend is reversed. The majority of victims first turn to informal support networks: family and friends first, colleagues next, whilst formal support structures are rarely sought. Often, victims are unaware of the seriousness of the situation or fear being stigmatised, or even punished, if they report it.
The report concludes with twelve recommendations, structured around the points presented, noting that the countries concerned have ‘substantial room for improvement’, particularly regarding the development of legal and institutional frameworks in line with international standards.
Among these recommendations is one aimed at embedding the prevention and combating of violence and harassment in the world of work within a “holistic” approach to decent work. That is to say, one that takes into account gender considerations, occupational health and safety, as well as the specificities of the informal economy. “Such an approach would ensure consistent, inclusive and effective protection for all workers, including the most vulnerable,” says the ILO. In this spirit, the organisation also recommends explicitly including gender equality in laws and public policies and establishing a “zero-tolerance culture” towards violence.
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