By Michael Oche
Solidarity Center has stepped up its campaign for safer workplaces with targeted training sessions on preventing gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) for workers in informal economy workers
The sensitization activities which held at Mile 12 Market, brought together members of the Federation of Informal Workers’ Organizations of Nigeria (FIWON), the Sunflower Women’s Group of the Nigeria Union of Textile, Tailoring and Garment Workers (NUTGTWN), and other grassroots leaders.
In her opening remarks, Country Program Director of the Solidarity Center West Africa, Ms. Deddeh Tulay, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to promoting gender justice.
“The Solidarity Center remains fully committed to building workplaces, formal and informal, where every worker is free from gender-based violence and harassment. Everyone deserves dignity, safety, and respect at work,” she said.
The sessions were aimed at strengthening workers’ understanding of GBVH and advancing the implementation of the International Labour Organization’s Convention 190 (C190) in Nigeria.
Facilitators led participants through interactive discussions on forms of workplace harassment, such as verbal abuse, sexual harassment, exploitation, economic coercion, and unsafe working conditions.
They also highlighted the broader definition of the “world of work” under C190, noting that GBVH can occur during commutes, in digital spaces, at work-related events, or in employer-provided accommodations.
Trainers encouraged workers to document incidents effectively and recognize emerging risks, especially in informal and unregulated work settings.
The Chairperson of the Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Funmi Sessi in her remarks commended progress made in addressing GBVH, including the prosecution of sex offenders at Mile 12 Market and ongoing awareness campaigns.
She praised the Solidarity Center for its consistent partnership and encouraged workers to continue speaking out, reporting abuses, and building collective structures for protection.
Our correspondent reports that a key part of the training addressed the root causes of GBVH, including power imbalances, gender stereotypes, lack of reporting structures, and weak enforcement of existing laws.
Presenters also provided updates on Nigeria’s progress toward adopting and implementing C190, citing increased advocacy and policy awareness but stressing the need for comprehensive nationwide enforcement.
During group exercises, participants identified priority issues requiring government and institutional action, such as establishing workplace reporting mechanisms, preventing discrimination, improving leadership accountability in markets, enhancing law enforcement responsiveness, and involving unions and women-led groups in community-level prevention.
Participants concluded the training with commitments to intensify advocacy, improve reporting systems, and support the full domestication of ILO C190.
