30 November, 2023IndustriALL Executive Committee held from 28-29 November, took a significant step with the adoption of a global policy on gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH), misogyny and sexism. This adoption coincides with the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.
This policy sets out IndustriALL’s commitments to prevent and end GBVH, misogyny and sexism where it occurs in the course of, linked with or arising out of IndustriALL work and activities.
Fostering a culture change in IndustriALL and its affiliates, raising awareness and understanding about GBVH, sexual harassment, misogyny and sexism, ensuring zero tolerance of misogyny and sexism and establishing standard procedures for IndustriALL handling complaints are the objectives of this policy.
The next steps practical steps include an action plan for training at all levels of the organization, training for elected leaders, coordicators and staff on the GBVH policy, and a No Excuse campaign to be launched next year, to raise awareness on this issue and the new policy.
IndustriALL gender director, Armelle Séby, says:
“This policy, drafted by a gender expert, Jane Pillinger, under the close supervision of IndustriALL Gender Equality Task Force, will equip IndustriALL and its affiliates to implement ILO C190 provisions in our unions and industries. We hope that his policy will serve as a model for affiliates to develop their own policies and reinforce existing mechanisms. The policy gives an important role to play to men leaders in preventing and addressing GBVH. The policy reminds that GBVH is a core trade union issue.”
Christina Olivier, IndustriALL assistant general secretary says:
“This policy will help us to build together safer spaces in our unions and our industries free from GBVH, misogyny and sexism. IndustriALL will need the support and expertise of affiliates, who already have such mechanisms in place, build on existing expertise and good practices within its affiliates to implement this policy.IndustriALL is the first global union federation to endorse such a policy.”
This global policy implements the 2021 Congress Resolution. It also incorporates the IndustriALL sexual harassment policy for meetings and events and ensures the continued implementation of the IndustriALL Pledge “Not in Our Workplace, Not in Our Union.”