In celebration of this year’s International Women’s Day, the BWI is highlighting one of the most persistent human right violations in our contemporary world: Gender-based-violence (GBV).
The BWI affiliates have gathered stories of women who are actively engaging in their unions, to address the root causes of GBV in the workplace and its impacts on men and women.
You will read inspiring interviews, see videos and hear the voices of women trade unionists globally taking a stance to make a difference, be effective and address the structural challenge of male-dominated industries such as construction and timber.
The website is dedicated to them and all trade unionists showing that trade unions must also join the global movement to end GVB. These women share their stories and invite us to reflect on the changes that we can all make in our workplaces and communities towards a more inclusive and violence free-society.
Some facts (UN 2015):
More than 35% of women worldwide have experienced physical and/or sexual violence
Between 40% and 50% of women experience unwanted sexual advances, physical contact or other forms of sexual harassment at work.
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a manifestation of unequal power relations between women and men. At work, as in society, GBV can take on multiple forms, including:
Physical assault, including rape
Bullying
Psychological abuse and intimidation
Sexual harassment
Economic and financial abuse
Verbal abuse and threats of violence
Amandla! Power to the People. Amandla! Power to the Women.