In a move aimed at addressing sexual harassment and gender-based violence (GBV) in the hospitality industry, the Kenya Union of Domestic Workers, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals, and Allied Workers (KUDHEIHA) and the Association of Women in Tourism (KAWT) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU). The agreement, signed yesterday in Nairobi, underscores the shared commitment to creating safer and more inclusive workplaces, especially for women in the sector.
The hospitality industry is a key employer of women in Kenya but has been marred by rising cases of GBV, including femicide. Recognizing this, KAWT’s National Chairperson, Pauline Nduva, called on the government to implement robust measures to curb the troubling trend. Speaking at the signing ceremony, she said, “The MOU we are signing today with KUDHEIHA workers’ union is a commitment to not only support the prevention of gender-based violence but also to ensure assistance for those who are affected. We must leave no stone unturned in our efforts to mitigate risks and aid victims.”
A Comprehensive Approach to Ending GBV
The partnership between KAWT and KUDHEIHA focuses on training, awareness campaigns, and mentorship programs to educate employees and reduce the stigma associated with GBV survivors. Nduva emphasized the importance of fostering a workplace culture where integrity and humanity are prioritized, noting that addressing GBV is not just a corporate responsibility but a moral imperative.
Through the mentorship program, KAWT seeks to directly engage with workers in the tourism and hospitality industries, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to identify, address, and prevent harassment and violence. Workshops, training sessions, and open dialogues will play a central role in these efforts.
“This is about more than just awareness,” Nduva remarked. “We must cultivate a culture of understanding among the targeted groups about the realities of SGBV. Workshops, training sessions, and open dialogues are essential.”
Role of the Government and Stakeholders
Both KAWT and KUDHEIHA have called on the government to enact and enforce comprehensive legislation to address workplace GBV. They stressed the need for laws that not only deter perpetrators but also provide protection and justice for victims.
Albert Njeru, the Secretary-General of KUDHEIHA, urged victims of GBV to seek assistance from the relevant authorities and highlighted the union’s role in mentoring hospitality workers. “We want to mentor women and men working in the hospitality sector to create awareness and grow the industry to make it a better place to work in. Labour rights should also be human rights,” Njeru stated.
Under the new MOU, KUDHEIHA will organize educational forums for its members, inviting KAWT, the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), and other organizations to participate as mentors. These forums aim to cultivate a deeper understanding of the realities of GBV and equip workers with practical strategies to combat the issue.
Toward Safer Workplaces
The initiative is a bold step toward transforming Kenya’s hospitality and tourism sector into an environment where dignity, safety, and respect are upheld. It reflects a team effort among unions, employers, and civil society to eliminate GBV and create workplaces that value equity and human rights.
As the initiative rolls out, KAWT and KUDHEIHA hope to inspire similar efforts across other industries. By prioritizing education, awareness, and advocacy, they aim to make GBV a relic of the past in the hospitality industry and beyond.
Their message is clear: safeguarding workers, especially women, from GBV is a collective responsibility that demands immediate and sustained action. Through partnerships, policy advocacy, and grassroots initiatives, KAWT and KUDHEIHA are paving the way for a safer, more equitable future in the workplace.
