We all should work together in order to create a comfortable working environment through the prevention of violence and harassment in the workplace
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Manpower Minister Ida Fauziyah has sought better protection of women from violence, sexual harassment, and discrimination in the workplace.



"We all should work together in order to create a comfortable working environment through the prevention of violence and harassment in the workplace," she said in a statement released here on Thursday.



Acts of violence can affect work productivity and have an impact on business continuity, she added.



Fauziyah said that her ministry has made several efforts to increase protection of women workers, particularly prevention of violence, sexual harassment, and discrimination in the workplace.


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These efforts include offering technical guidance to company managements and trade and labor unions, building company commitment through company regulations and collective agreements, as well as cross-sectoral integration and coordination in law enforcement, she expounded.



The Ministry of Manpower will also formulate more specific rules for eradicating violence and harassment in the workplace, as well as improving regulations in the employment sector, including through the Job Creation Law, she added.



"Synergy, commitment, and concrete efforts are required not only from the government, but also from relevant stakeholders," Fauziyah said.



During the COVID-19 pandemic, women workers experienced additional burdens, such as a fall or loss of income and household chores that are still culturally assigned to women, she noted.

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In addition, online learning activities or school from home also resulted in women taking on the task of helping their children while studying at home, Fauziyah said.



"We have to remember, in every crisis situation, the groups most vulnerable to inequality, discrimination, and violence are the marginal groups, including women workers," she said.


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Translator: Martha H, Raka Adji
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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