35% of women – 818 million women globally – over the age of 15 have experienced sexual or physical violence at home, in their communities or in the workplace. (Source: World Health Organisation)
THE CAMPAIGN
There can be no decent work with violence at work. Yet there is still no law at the international level that sets a baseline for taking action to eradicate violence and harassment. Gender-based violence remains one of the most common and tolerated human rights abuses. In June 2018, the International Labour Conference (ILC) will begin work towards an international standard on “Violence and Harassment against Women and Men in the World of Work”, including gender-based violence.
The ITUC campaign aims to:
Build critical support for the adoption of an ILO Convention, accompanied by a Recommendation, on “Violence and Harassment against Women and Men in the World of Work”, with a strong focus on the gender dimension of violence; and Mobilise and strengthen trade union action in eradicating gender-based violence from the world of work.
JOIN THE CAMPAIGN AND TAKE PART IN THE 23 DAYS OF ACTION
This is a critical period for our campaign, as we have only a few months ahead of us to persuade governments to support a binding ILO Convention, supplemented by a Recommendation, with a strong focus on the gender dimension of violence and harassment in the world of work.
Our call to action starts on 14 February, known as “V-day” (a global activist movement, led by “One Billion Rising’’, to end violence against women and girls), and runs until 8 March, International Women’s Day.
A wide range of activities will be undertaken by affiliates on International Women’s Day. We encourage you to join the 23 Days of Action and link your activities to this call of action. We need your mobilising, organising and lobbying to ensure governments’ support for an ILO Convention and a Recommendation at the ILC in June 2018.
“Unions are leading the way in eradicating violence against women at work, and the support of a strong international legal instrument is essential.”
Sharan Burrow, ITUC General Secretary
WHAT YOU CAN DO
- Call for a meeting with representatives of your government to explain why it is important to support an ILO Convention “Violence and Harassment against Women and Men in the World of Work”, including gender-based violence. Then, share a picture of your delegation on social media! The ITUC campaign toolkit includes many tips for lobbying your government.
- Organise a march or a public event where trade union leaders, supportive politicians, employers and celebrities pledge their support for a binding ILO instrument to eradicate gender-based violence in the world of work.
- Download and share the 23 Days of Action infographics on social media platforms using the hashtags #StopGBVatWork #23Days.
Create your own materials by adding the 23 Days of Action logo on your photos, infographics, posters, etc. and share them on social media platforms. Don’t forget to use the hashtags #StopGBVatWork #23Days. - Take photos and videos of your actions and post them on your website and social media platforms using the hashtags #StopGBVatWork #23Days and ask your network to share them as well.
- Please keep us informed about your activities by sending your story and photos to equality@ituc-csi.org. If you have any questions, please also email us at this address.
