November 25, 2024
Recommitting to Action: The Role of the Private Sector in Ending Violence Against Women
The theme of this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence — “Recommitment, Accountability, Resourcing Towards Beijing +30: Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls” — serves as both a rallying cry and a challenge.
Violence against women and girls remains the most prevalent and pervasive human rights violation in the world. Globally, an estimated 736 million women – nearly one in three – have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner, non-partner sexual violence, or both at least once in their lives. In the EU, 75% of top female managers and professional women reported experiencing sexual harassment. As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action, it is a moment for reflection and reinvigorated effort. As drivers of economic and societal change, the private sector enterprises have an indispensable role to play in this mission.
The Business Case for Action
Gender-based violence (GBV) is not just a human rights issue; it also exacts a significant economic toll. Globally, the costs associated with GBV, including healthcare, legal services, and lost productivity, run into trillions of dollars annually. Businesses cannot afford to ignore the impact on their workforces and operations. By taking proactive steps to combat GBV, businesses not only uphold their ethical responsibilities but also contribute to healthier, more productive workplaces and communities.
Recommitment: Pledging to Create Safe Workplaces
Recommitment begins with introspection and action. Businesses can consider the Women’s Empowerment Principles, which provide a framework for advancing gender equality and preventing GBV. Creating safe and inclusive workplaces, offering training on recognizing and addressing GBV, and implementing robust reporting mechanisms are critical steps.
Accountability: Walking the Talk
Accountability ensures that commitments translate into action. It is crucial that businesses measure progress and transparently report on their efforts to address GBV. This includes conducting workplace audits, collecting data on GBV-related incidents, and sharing case studies of successful interventions. Such transparency fosters trust and encourages others to follow suit.
Resourcing: Investing in Change
Ending GBV requires resources – both financial and human. Businesses can allocate funds to support shelters, helplines, and community programs for survivors. Internally, they can integrate GBV prevention into corporate social responsibility strategies and collaborate with governments and civil society to amplify impact. Furthermore, upskilling employees to recognize and respond to GBV creates a culture of vigilance and support.
Beyond the Workplace: A Broader Influence
Businesses have the power to shape societal norms. By championing campaigns that challenge stereotypes, promoting survivor voices, and offering products and services that prioritize safety (e.g., apps for reporting abuse), they help drive cultural change. Initiatives like mentoring programs for women leaders, including female-led or owned enterprises into the supply chain and economic empowerment projects also address the root causes of GBV, such as inequality and disempowerment.
Towards Beijing +30: A Shared Responsibility
As we approach Beijing +30, the call to unite against GBV is louder than ever. The private sector must work alongside governments, NGOs, and communities to ensure that every woman and girl lives free from violence to make it a relic of the past.
This is not just a campaign; it is a movement – a pledge to build a world where gender equality is not an aspiration but a reality. Let us answer this call, together.
Throughout the 16-day period from 25 November to 10 December, every entity and individual is encouraged to join efforts to:
- Be an Ally: Stand against GBV by participating in local activities, advocating for survivors, and educating others about the importance of ending violence against women and girls.
- Speak Out: Use your voice to challenge harmful norms and support survivors in your community.
- Engage in Advocacy: Participate in campaigns and initiatives that push for stronger laws, better enforcement, and more resources to end VAWG.
For more information, please refer to the following knowledge products:
- How Business Can Tackle GBV in the World of Work: A Toolkit For Action
- Inviting Men to Make a Difference: the #HeForShe movement
Authors
Nataliia Koshovska
Before joining RECONOMY as a Gender and Social Inclusion Manager, Nataliia, originally from Ukraine, worked within the UN system for 11 years in particular as a staff member of UNFPA and UNICEF in the development and humanitarian contexts. Nataliia is a passionate human rights advocate and focuses professionally on women’s economic empowerment, stereotypes-free education and career choices as well as promotes gender equality and zero tolerance to violence in the corporate sector.
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