Protection of Women Workers in the Informal Sector from Sexual Violence and Harassment in the Perspective of ILO Convention No. 190: A Comparative Study of Indonesia and the Philippines

Natasya Indras Febiola; Joko Ismono

doi:10.59261/jlsp.v4i3.145

Authors

Natasya Indras Febiola Universitas Negeri Surabaya
Joko Ismono Universitas Negeri Surabaya

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59261/jlsp.v4i3.145

Keywords:

Women Workers, Informal Sector, ILO Convention No. 190, Comparative Study, Legal Protection, Sexual Violence and Harassment

Abstract

Background: Sexual violence and harassment against women workers in Indonesia’s informal sector constitute a growing systemic crisis, compounded by the absence of comprehensive legal protections specifically designed for this vulnerable group. Despite the increasing number of reported cases, Indonesia has not yet ratified ILO Convention No. 190 (2019) on Violence and Harassment, resulting in a critical normative gap within the existing protection framework.

Objective: This study aims to identify normative gaps in Indonesia’s legal system by examining the root causes of the problem through the perspectives of legal protection theory, human rights theory, and feminist legal theory. It also conducts a comparative study with the Philippines, which has ratified ILO Convention No. 190 and enacted the Safe Spaces Act of 2019.

Methods: This study employs a qualitative research method using a normative legal approach, a comparative legal approach, and a legislative analytical approach to examine relevant legal frameworks and regulatory developments.

Results: The results of this study indicate the existence of significant legal gaps in protecting women workers in the informal sector from violence and harassment, while the Philippines has demonstrated more progressive developments in adopting and implementing international labor protection standards.

Conclusion: This study recommends the ratification of ILO Convention No. 190, the establishment of specific regulations to protect informal sector workers, an examination of the factors underlying Indonesia’s delayed ratification of ILO Convention No. 190, and the strengthening of complaint mechanisms that are victim-friendly and gender-responsive.

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