“Text me when you get home.” Whether you’re the one saying this, or the one on the receiving end, this is a phrase we’re all too familiar with. I know I’m not the only girl who sends screenshots of my Grab driver’s profile to my family and friends. Neither am I the only one who checks the backseat of her car before getting in (just in case there’s someone lurking at the back) and then proceeds to lock the doors immediately once in the car (so nobody can sneak in).
Even the way my parents taught me how to drive was different from that of my brother. I was taught to always :
Park in a place that is well lit.
Park close to an entrance (Always. Even if this means spending an extra 30 minutes circling the parking lot till a safe space frees up).
Have your keys in your hand when in a parking lot - to limit your time searching for keys in your handbag ( it makes you look vulnerable).
Pay close attention to my surroundings.
Growing up, I always just chalked it up to my parents being overly-paranoid. Over time, without even realizing it, I eventually normalized these safety precautions as part of my normal daily routine as an adult woman. When I started working, I brought these with me too.
Like most Malaysians, my mode of commute to work is using public transport. It takes me approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes (on a good day) to reach the office. Any of my fellow “commuter club” members who take the train/bus during weekday rush hour know that it is not an uncommon sight to see lanyards adorned by passengers. However, more often than not, I notice that I’m not the only one with the additional rape whistle attached to my cardholder too.
Although seeing other women workers wearing the matching lanyard and whistle combo is pretty much a given when commuting to and from work, it really shouldn’t be. In fact, it’s a signifier that things have to change.
Convention 190 is based on a broad concept of the “world of work” that takes account of the fact that nowadays, work does not always take place at a physical workplace. It covers violence and harassment occurring in the course of, link with, or arising out of work such as :
● In the workplace, including public and private spaces where they are a place of work.
● In places where the worker is paid, takes a rest break or a meal, or uses sanitary, washing, and changing facilities.
● During work-related trips, travel, training, events, or social activities.
● Through work-related communications, including those enabled by information and communication technologies (ICT).
● In employer-provided accommodation
● When commuting to and from work.[1]
(Art.3 C190)
The next time you call or text your friends and family to let them know you’ve safely arrived at or returned from work, start the call to ratify C190 too. Convention 190 calls for an end to violence and harassment in the world of work. If that sounds like a world you’d like to live in, then join us in making that a reality.
---------------------------------------------------------
Convention C190 - Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190)https://www.ilo.org/dyn/normlex/en/f?p=NORMLEXPUB:12100:0::NO::P12100_ILO_CODE:C190
Comments