EPSU supports global call for Strong ILO Convention on Gender-Based Violence

(24 November 2017) Tomorrow is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls. This is a rallying point for trade unions to call for a strong ILO Convention to tackle gender-based violence at work.

More than one third of women around the world experience violence at work, at home or in the community. Action in the workplace is crucial to tackling that scourge.

Unions must be leading the way in eradicating violence against women at work. A strong international legal instrument such as an ILO Convention against violence against women will be a major step forward in fighting violence and protecting working women. Rape, physical assault, intimidation and harassment are part of many working women’s daily experiences. This  must stop!

EPSU and its affiliates across Europe are engaged in a wide range of campaigns to eradicate violence against women and girls. They stand up for women to decide over  their bodies  and  defend the right to abortion. The trade unions must ensure and promote legal protection for women, to obtain legislation for paid leave for victims and to increase public awareness and ensure safe havens.

To learn more about what unions are doing and for campaigning and collective bargaining resources, see the ITUC portal on gender-based violence and the ETUC’s “Safe at Home, Safe at Work project”.

EPSU Roadmap on Gender Equality and Our statement on the EU Action Plan

For the work of PSI 

EU-UN Spotlight Initiative to end violence against women