By Michael Oche
The Africa Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has concluded work on a draft Policy and Procedures on the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Sexual Harassment (PSEAH), marking a significant step towards strengthening safeguards against gender-based harassment within the African trade union movement.
The draft policy, which was concluded at the end of a high-level meeting on Occupational Safety and Health in Nairob, Kenya, is expected to be presented to the ITUC-Africa General Council in October for consideration and formal adoption.
The policy titled “ITUC-Africa Policy on Sexual Expolitation, Abuse and Sexual Harassment (PSEAH)” seeks to establish a comprehensive framework for preventing and addressing sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment within ITUC-Africa and across its affiliate trade unions in Africa.
Nigerian Pilot reports that the draft had inputs from trade unions representatives from across Africa who are members of the Africa Trade Union Network on Occupational Safety and Health (ATUNOSH) and were present at the workshop
If approved by the General Council, the policy will introduce a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment, while setting out clear procedures for prevention, reporting, investigation, survivor support and accountability.
Speaking on the development, ITUC-Africa General Secretary, Joel Odigie, said the policy demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to promoting safe, inclusive and respectful workplaces that reflect the values of social justice, equality, solidarity and respect for human dignity.
He noted that the policy goes beyond compliance, describing it as a reflection of ITUC-Africa’s values and commitment to ethical leadership, organisational integrity and responsible governance.
According to him, every employee, elected leader, affiliate representative, consultant, volunteer, intern, contractor, partner and participant in ITUC-Africa programmes has the right to work and participate in an environment free from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.
“Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Sexual Harassment are profound violations of human rights and human dignity. They undermine trust, abuse power, silence voices and weaken the institutions that exist to protect people. Such conduct has no place within ITUC-Africa or within the broader trade union movement,” Odigie said.
He stressed that the organisation would respond decisively to all reported cases through fair, transparent and survivor-centred processes while ensuring accountability for perpetrators.
The General Secretary called on members of the General Council, Executive Committee, affiliate organisations, management, staff, consultants, volunteers, interns, contractors and partners to familiarise themselves with the policy and ensure its effective implementation.
Nigerian Pilot reports that the policy provides accessible and confidential reporting mechanisms, protection for survivors, complainants and whistleblowers against retaliation, and guarantees impartial investigations based on due process. It also outlines disciplinary, administrative and legal actions against offenders where necessary.
ITUC-Africa said the policy would apply across all its workplaces, governance structures, meetings, conferences, training programmes, official travel, field missions, partnerships and digital platforms.
The organisation further pledged to strengthen awareness campaigns, capacity building, safeguarding measures and regular policy reviews to ensure continuous improvement in preventing sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment across its operations.
It maintained that safeguarding is a shared responsibility and urged everyone associated with the organisation to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct in promoting a safe, inclusive and respectful environment throughout the African trade union movement.
On enforcement, Odigie said, “We have the power within our space as ITUC-Africa to enfoce this document.”
ITUC-Africa General Secretary, said the draft policy is intended to serve as a model for the organisation’s affiliates across Africa to adopt and adapt within their respective unions.
“We want to make this document applicable for our affiliates to adopt in their spaces. We cannot impose this document on our affiliates because we are a democratic organisation,” Odigie said.
He explained that while the policy would be presented to the ITUC-Africa General Council for adoption, implementation by affiliate unions would be voluntary.
“What we will do is encourage all affiliates to adopt it. But there is no disagreement within our organisation on this issue,” he added.
