Addressing Gender-Based Violence in the South African Workplaces – Part 4
By Monica Brown
Today we will unpack #part4 of the article *Addressing Gender-Based Violence in the South African Workplaces*.
Without further delays let us get into discussing the prevention and awareness strategies available to help beat the fight against #gbv in the workplace.We will also look at education and awareness campaigns, training programs for employees and managers and also promoting a culture of respect and gender equality within the workplace.
There are several strategies available for awareness and prevention of gender-based violence in the workplace. Here are a few key approaches:
1. Education and Training: Providing comprehensive training programs to employees on gender-based violence , harassment and discrimination can raise awareness and help foster a respectful work environment.These programs should cover topics such as recognising and reporting abusive behaviours , bystander intervention and promoting respectful communication.Education and Training are vital tools for raising awareness and preventing gender-based violence in the workplace.Remember that education and training should be ongoing and part of a broader strategy that includes policy development, leadership commitment and fostering a culture of respect and inclusion in the workplace.
2. Clear Policies and Procedures: Establishing clear and well-communicated policies against gender-based violence , harassment and discrimination is essential. These policies should outline the consequences for violations. It’s crucial to ensure that all employees are aware of these policies and understand their rights and responsibilities.
3. Promote Reporting Channels: Creating safe and confidential reporting channels , such as anonymous hotlines or dedicated email addresses, encourage employees to report incidents of gender-based violence. It is important to assure employees that their complaints will be taken seriously and that they will be protected from retaliation.
4. Encourage a supportive work culture: Foster an #inclusive and #supportive work culture that values #respect, #equality and #diversity.Promote initiatives that encourage #collaboration, open communication and mutual respect amongst #employees. Establish support systems and employee resource groups that provide a safe space for #victims and promote #awareness and #prevention.
5. Leadership Commitment : Leadership plays a crucial role in preventing #gbv in the workplace.When leaders demonstrate a strong commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment , it sets the tone for the entire organisation. Leaders should actively promote gender equality , address any reported incidents promptly and hold individuals accountable for their actions.
In summary I just want to say that addressing #gbv requires ongoing effort, regular assessments and a commitment to continuous improvement.
EDUCATION AND AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS AGAINST #GBV
1. 25 November to 10 December annually in South Africa
The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign (16 Days Campaign) is a United Nations campaign which takes place annually from 25 November (International Day of No Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day). It focuses on raising awareness to the devastating impact that gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) has on women and children, and the social fabric of our society.
2. Join the campaign to convince governments to support an ILO Convention and Recommendation on “Ending violence and harassment in the world of work”. An ILO Convention and Recommendation will send a strong message that violence is NOT part of the job. The standard and guidelines will also strengthen workers’ voices as they stand up against gender-based violence, and negotiate collective agreements that address GBV. #StopGBVatWork
Stop Gender-Based Violence at Work
3. WCED supports campaign against gender-based violence
WCED supports campaign against gender-based violence
4. The White Ribbon South Africa Workplace Accreditation Programme is a programme that engenders a whole of an organisations commitment to stop violence against women, meeting 15 criteria under three standards to create a safer and more respectful workplace. The Programme recognises Organisations that are taking active steps to stop and prevent violence against women, accrediting them as a White Ribbon Workplace
The White Ribbon South Africa Workplace
5. The Solidarity Center is the largest U.S.-based international worker rights organization helping workers attain safe and healthy workplaces, family-supporting wages, dignity on the job, widespread democracy and greater equity at work and in their community. Allied with the AFL-CIO, the Solidarity Center assists workers across the globe as, together, they fight discrimination, exploitation and the systems that entrench poverty—to achieve shared prosperity in the global economy.
The campaigns listed above are just a few of many.Many organisations are working hard to create awareness about gender-based violence in the workplace across the globe.We salute them for the great work they are doing.
Final Thoughts:
Creating awareness for the prevention of gender-based violence in the workplace requires a multifaceted approach.
By combining education, policy development, leadership commitment and a supportive work culture, organisations can promote awareness, prevent gender-based violence and foster a safe and inclusive environment for all employees.
We must not give up , we must keep on trying to gain support and commitment from top-level leadership and managers.
Monica Brown, Changemaker, Activist And Social Entrepreneur, CRW NEWS Freelance Columnist
Article Reproduced with Permission from Monica Brown
To view the original article by Monica Brown on LinkedIn visit here
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