During this month dedicated to raising awareness about Gender-Based Violence (GBV), workers’ unions have highlighted concerns regarding the efficacy of existing policies in combating sexual harassment and abuse in workplaces.
In an exclusive interview with Great Dyke News, Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Workers Union secretary General Justice Chinhema highlighted that the urgency for Zimbabwe to confront sexual harassment and gender-based violence within work environments.
Chinhema commended the Labor Act of 2013 for its focused attention on addressing gender-based violence, citing its explicit identification of root causes and provision of guidance for mitigation.
However, he emphasized the necessity for a specialized law tailored specifically to the mining industry. He stressed that such legislation should encompass both mining corporations and local communities, urging mining companies to institute robust policies targeting gender-based violence issues.
Highlighting the grim reality, Chinhema drew attention to the distressing prevalence of abuse and harassment against women in the mining sector, particularly in regions dominated by small-scale miners. He expressed deep concern over the alarming frequency of violent incidents and harassment cases.
To tackle the issue head-on, Chinhema proposed the implementation of industry-specific policies, distinct from national guidelines, to effectively combat the multifaceted challenges prevalent in mining operations.
Additionally, Chinhema revealed that the Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers’ Union (ZDAMWU) is actively developing an independent policy tailored for mines.
