A new International Labour Organization report highlights the widespread prevalence of violence and harassment in workplaces across Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal. The research reveals that more than half of workers in Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire, and nearly half in Burkina Faso, have experienced some form of violence or harassment at work. The findings emphasize that such incidents remain a global problem that often goes unnoticed and unreported, undermining workers’ dignity, well-being, and productivity.
The study provides detailed evidence on the scale, forms, and impacts of workplace violence and harassment in the three countries. Psychological violence and harassment were identified as the most common forms, frequently occurring alongside physical or sexual abuse. While men are more likely to encounter physical violence, women face higher levels of sexual harassment and abuse. The research also shows that both younger and older workers are particularly vulnerable to such experiences.
Violence and harassment occur not only within traditional workplaces but also in other work-related settings such as public transport, interactions with clients or the public, and digital or remote work environments. In many cases, the perpetrators are third parties, including customers, patients, or unknown individuals. These incidents have serious consequences for workers, with many victims reporting significant mental health challenges such as stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as physical harm. The impacts also extend to reduced confidence, lower job satisfaction, higher absenteeism, and decreased productivity.
Despite the scale of the problem, many incidents remain unreported. The research shows that only about sixty percent of victims report their experiences, and even fewer use formal reporting mechanisms. Many workers prefer to confide in friends, family members, or colleagues instead of seeking official support. Reasons for underreporting include fears of stigma or retaliation, perceptions that incidents are not serious enough to report, and limited trust in institutional procedures.
Although the three countries have legal and institutional frameworks to address workplace violence and harassment, the report notes that these systems are often fragmented, poorly understood, and difficult to access, particularly for vulnerable workers. The findings highlight the urgent need for stronger and more coordinated responses, including improved prevention, protection, and support mechanisms.
The report calls for inclusive, integrated, and gender-responsive action to address the issue, particularly through the ratification and implementation of the International Labour Organization’s Convention on Violence and Harassment, 2019. This convention provides a global framework for preventing and eliminating violence and harassment in the world of work and affirms the right of everyone to a safe and respectful workplace. By presenting comprehensive evidence and practical recommendations, the research aims to support governments, employers, and workers in taking more effective action to combat workplace violence and harassment.
