BWI releases 2020 Report on 16 Days Campaign vs. Violence against Women

BWI released today its report on the 16 Days Campaign for Trade Union Activism on Violence Against Women, which it has undertaken in 2020. Under the theme “Safe at Home, Safe at Work,” BWI documented the various actions, activities and initiatives conducted by its trade union affiliates worldwide to push for the right of women workers to live and work free from all forms of gender-based violence, harassment and discrimination at their workplaces and homes.  

Included in the campaign were actions calling for more country ratifications of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention NO. 190 on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work. 

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the issue of violence faced by women and girls during the lockdowns and mobility restrictions was brought to the fore. The pandemic added to the existing care burden of women workers. Layoffs, retrenchments, and loss of income for both men and women workers also triggered an increase in the incidence of violence against women. 

BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson said that trade unions have a critical role to play supporting women who are victims of gender-based violence, as well as in carrying out advocacy to strengthen prevention and support measures. 

“Violence and harassment are incompatible with decent work, impacting people’s ability to work as well as their physical and mental well-being. Gender-based violence is therefore a key issue for trade unions to organise around,” Yuson said. 

Download the report here.