The Ministry of Labour says there is a need for collective efforts in addressing harassment and violence in workplaces across the country.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Labour, Chikondano Mussa, said there are reports of harassment and violence in workplaces, but not much is being done to address the vice. She said this in Mponela during a validation vorkshop for the National Code of Conduct on violence and harassment.
Mussa said stakeholders need to create more public awareness, condemn the acts and ensure an enabling environment for workers to speak up.
According to statistics from the Malawi Congress of Trade Union (MCTU), no less than 120 cases were reported in 2023 and about 70 cases have been reported this year alone.
Meanwhile, Deputy Director of MCTU, Jessie Ching’oma, has since urged people to speak up, saying silence fuels the misconduct. She added that harassment and violence at workplaces, among other things, cause stress and anxiety, which lead to low productivity and failure to concentrate at work.
The validation workshop was held under the theme: “Creating a healthy working environment for a productive workforce.”
By Margaret Mapando
