Calling for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25th – What can businesses do?

November 25th marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, a day we hope won’t need to exist in the future. Currently however, there is an epidemic of gender-based violence both in the UK and across the world, making days like this crucial for keeping conversations going and sparking change.

Activism in the face of adversity is one of our core values at Panelle and we recognise that to tackle gender-based violence across the world, we must also tackle it at our doorstep.

Violence against women doesn’t simply cease to exist once we reach the office door, and it doesn’t discriminate against even the most powerful of working women. Unfortunately, even the most modern of workplaces cannot guarantee safety for women. However, what they can do is be activists who facilitate change.

Whether it’s travelling to or from work, within the four office walls or even when working from home, women’s safety is at risk.

3 in 5 women have experienced some form of workplace violence, sexual harassment, bullying or verbal abuse, with this figure rising to 2 in 3 women between the ages of 25-34.

Last year it was found that 1 in 3 working women feel unsafe commuting in the dark.

It is estimated that 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence in their adult life, with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) finding that 75% of victims are particularly targeted whilst at work. Despite this, only 24% of UK employees are aware of their employers having policies or support systems in place for domestic violence.

Addressing the policies they have in place and becoming activists for women’s safety is therefore a priority for modern companies. Here are a few ways in which they can do this…

Addressing in-house issues:

- Establish robust anti-harassment policies that ensure zero tolerance for sexual harassment and gender-based violence in the workplace.

- Offer more flexible working hours that allow employees to keep commutes within daylight hours during the winter.

- Create training programs, with the help of organisations like Women’s Aid, to raise awareness and build better policies for women’s safety.

- Develop and publicise a domestic abuse workplace policy amongst employees, that emphasises the support systems in place.

Becoming corporate activists for change:

- Partner with or fundraise for organisations that support women’s safety and empowerment.

- Lead by example and encourage partners and competitors to adopt safety-focused practices.

- Utilise days like November 25th to raise awareness and be vocal on issues of women’s safety and empowerment, both within the company and via external channels.

Advocating for change by implementing practices like these spark greater conversations in the business world about women’s safety. The more aware we become of gender-based violence and how it manifests itself into our workplaces, the sooner we learn to tackle and eradicate it for good.

This November 25th, be the change you want to see in the world and help end violence against women.

#InternationalDayForTheEliminationOfViolenceAgainstWomen

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