Toolbox Talk – Gender-Based Violence

With this Toolbox Talk, we’re going to discuss a very important and sensitive topic: Gender-Based Violence (GBV). It’s crucial to be aware of this issue in our personal lives, workplace, and community. Understanding and addressing GBV is essential to creating a safe and respectful work environment.

 

What is Gender-Based Violence?

• Gender-based violence is any act of violence that occurs between men and women in relationships, at home, in the workplace, and within the community.
• It is fundamentally about power and control.

 

Forms of Gender-Based Violence:

• GBV can take various forms, including:
  • Physical Abuse: Hitting, slapping, or other forms of physical harm.
  • Emotional Abuse: Manipulation, verbal insults, or threats.
  • Sexual Abuse: Rape, sexual harassment, or any non-consensual sexual activity.
  • Economic Abuse: Controlling someone’s financial resources or access to money.
  • Spiritual Abuse: Using religion or spiritual beliefs to manipulate or control.

 

Gender-Based Violence in the Construction Industry:

• Harassment and Discrimination:
  • Women in construction may face sexual harassment or gender discrimination, affecting their safety and job satisfaction.
• Physical and Verbal Abuse:
  • The demanding and stressful nature of construction work can sometimes lead to conflicts, where physical or verbal abuse may occur.
• Isolation and Exclusion:
  • Female workers might be isolated or excluded from certain tasks or social groups, reinforcing a hostile work environment.

 

Impact of Gender-Based Violence:

• GBV creates fear and breaks down self-esteem.
• It forces individuals to do things against their will and restricts their behavior and movement.
• It causes physical harm and emotional trauma.
• It negatively impacts workplace morale and productivity.

 

Who is Affected?

• Gender-based violence occurs across all racial, religious, ethnic, and political groups.
• While violence against men does occur, violence against women is more common and usually more severe.
• It’s important to note that not all men and women are abusers or victims.

Our Role in Addressing Gender-Based Violence:

• Families, friends, and communities often fail to condemn acts of violence, thus becoming passive accomplices.
• By not taking action, we allow perpetrators to believe that they have the right to abuse their partners.

 

Legal Framework: Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1993

• Duty of Employers:
  • Ensure a safe working environment for all employees.
  • Take necessary steps to prevent any form of harassment, including GBV, in the workplace.
• Employee Rights:
  • Right to a safe and healthy work environment.
  • Right to report any unsafe conditions or acts, including GBV, without fear of retaliation.
• Reporting Mechanisms:
  • Employers must have clear procedures for reporting GBV.
  • Employees should be informed about these procedures and encouraged to use them.
• Investigations and Consequences:
  • Reports of GBV must be thoroughly investigated.
  • Appropriate disciplinary action should be taken against perpetrators.

 

How to Respond:

• It’s our responsibility to stop abuse and report gender-based violence.
• If you witness or are aware of any GBV, report it immediately to the authorities. You can call the GBV helpline at 0800 428 428.
• Employers must support victims and ensure their safety and well-being.

Conclusion:

Gender-based violence is a serious issue that affects our entire community. Let’s commit to creating a safe and respectful environment for everyone, both at work and at home. Remember, taking action and speaking out against violence is crucial in making a difference.

Download the full Toolbox Talk document on the Gender-Based Violence below: