IFC launches Caribbean-wide programme to combat gender-based violence and harassment in workplace
THE International Finance Corporation (IFC) has launched Respect@Work Caribbean, a groundbreaking initiative to support the private sector in the region to addr
ess gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) in the world of work.
The 13-month training programme seeks to enhance business and social outcomes by promoting respectful workplaces and empowering companies to take measures against GBVH. As part of the initiative, representatives from eight private sector companies from across the region will participate in peer-to-peer learning sessions, engage in business case research, and receive practical tools to implement effective strategies to address GBVH connected to work.
“Gender-based violence and harassment pose significant challenges in our society, and it is crucial for the private sector to take a leading role in addressing these issues,” said Ronke-Amoni Ogunsulire, IFC’s regional manager for the Caribbean. “Creating respectful workplaces not only improves business performance but also contributes to broader social change.”
Commitments made by participating companies under Respect@Work Caribbean include adopting corporate policies addressing bullying and sexual harassment and partnering with civil society organisations to raise awareness of GBVH.
The Respect@Work Caribbean initiative, launched with the support of the World Bank Group’s Umbrella Facility for Gender Equality (UFGE), is aligned with IFC’s commitment to promote gender equality and advance sustainable development goals in the region. Throughout the programme, IFC experts will help build client capacity and implementation experience; facilitate knowledge exchange and sharing of good practices; and demonstrate the impact of corporate commitments to action, while contributing to the global body of work on the business case for respectful workplaces.
Globally, one in three women are affected by GBVH and it negatively impacts survivors, their families, and their communities. GBVH rates in the Caribbean are high, with 46 per cent of women having experienced some form of violence in their lifetime. IFC’s experience in other regions has shown that when the private sector takes action to address the problem in the world of work, it not only leads to positive business outcomes, such as reduced absenteeism and increased loyalty, but also promotes awareness about the problem.
