The ILO's Improving Workers Rights in Rural Sectors of the Indo-Pacific with a Focus on Women project conducted a series of capacity-building workshops on sensitising gender concepts and promoting gender-sensitive labour inspection practices in the Eastern part of Indonesia, covering the provinces of East Kalimantan, North Sulawesi and Maluku.
The training workshops, held from June and July 2024, aimed to equip labour inspectors, representatives from the employer's association and trade unions with practical knowledge and skills that they could immediately apply to address gender-based discrimination, harassment and violence in the workplace.
We are pleased with the training programme that is designed to improve the capacity of labour inspectors in identifying, evaluating and preventing such biases and violations, thereby, fostering safer and more welcoming workplaces.
Yuli Adiratna, Director of Labour Inspection and Norms at the Ministry of Manpower
Attended by a total of 90 participants, the workshops utilised a recently launched training guide, "Labour Inspection Guide in Preventing and Handling Discrimination, Harassment and Sexual Violence in the Workplace", jointly developed by the ILO's Workers Rights Project and the Ministry of Manpower. The guide aims to equip labour inspectors with the necessary knowledge to identify and prevent gender-related biases and violations.
"We are pleased with the training programme that is designed to improve the capacity of labour inspectors in identifying, evaluating and preventing such biases and violations, thereby, fostering safer and more welcoming workplaces through the utilisation of the guide and the Manpower Ministerial Decree No. 88/2023 on Guideline on Prevention and Handling of Sexual Harassment at Workplace," said Yuli Adiratna, Director of Labour Inspection and Norms at the Ministry of Manpower when giving an opening speech in Manado, North Sulawesi.
© ILO Facilitated by training officers from Better Work Indonesia, a joint programme between ILO and International Finance Corporation (IFC) and a law lecturer from the University of Gadjah Mada, the training workshops began with an intensive session on gender sensitisation, during which participants were introduced to key concepts of gender and discrimination. This session highlighted various forms of gender biases, discrimination and violence that can occur in workplaces, particularly in rural areas and their significant impacts on workers' well-being and productivity.
The workshop also included interactive exercises and case studies to provide hands-on experience in identifying and addressing workplace discrimination and violence. Participants worked in groups to analyse real-life scenarios, discuss possible interventions, and develop action plans for dealing with similar situations in their regions.
Thanks to this training, I now feel more confident in acknowledging and highlighting existing gender differences and inequalities.
Riyanto, a representative from the Indonesian Pole & Line and Handline Fisheries Association based in Ambon, Maluku
"After attending multiple gender trainings, I must say that this one stands out as the most practical and enjoyable. Thanks to this training, I now feel more confident in acknowledging and highlighting existing gender differences and inequalities," said Riyanto, a representative from the Indonesian Pole & Line and Handline Fisheries Association based in Ambon, Maluku.
Representing local government, Rozani Erawadi, Head of East Kalimantan Manpower Office stated, "The workshop has successfully fostered stronger collaboration between labour inspectors, employers and workers. Participants recognised the importance of working together to create a culture of respect and equality in workplaces."
Januar Rustandie, Project Coordinator of the ILO's Workers Rights Project, stated that these workshops have marked a significant milestone towards establishing a safer and more inclusive work environment. "The ILO and the Ministry of Manpower are committed to empowering stakeholders to advocate for gender equality and gender-sensitive labour inspection practices by providing continuous support to uphold the values of gender equality and respect at workplaces nationwide."
