In a world first, eight Australian organisations have achieved accreditation as White Ribbon Workplaces.
Violence against women and their children costs the Australian economy $13.6bn a year, the 2009 Time for Action report from KPMG estimated. This is expected to increase to $15.6bn by 2021. Libby Davies, CEO of White Ribbon Australia, stated that violence against women – be it in their private or professional life – will impact negatively on their safety and capacity to do their work, as well as damaging an organisation’s reputation and level of productivity.
In the lead up to White Ribbon Day on 25 November, White Ribbon Australia has accredited eight Australian organisations as ‘White Ribbon Workplaces’, referring to organisations that have successfully implemented policies and procedures to drive positive and critical social change, building on initiatives addressing respectful relationships and gender equity.
White Ribbon Australia is a male-led non-profit organisation working to end men’s violence against women.
These organisations drive best practice to prevent men’s violence against women in the workplace and effectively respond to incidents that arise, whether they are inside or outside the workplace. The organisations are:
-
University of Canberra (ACT)
-
The Department for Community and Social Inclusion (SA)
-
The Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman (NSW)
-
Together Queensland, Industrial Union of Employees (QLD)
-
Monash University (VIC)
-
Child & Family Services Ballarat (VIC)
-
The Office of the Coordinator General for Remote Indigenous Services (ACT)
-
The Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust (NSW) for UnitingCare NSW.ACT
Keen-eyed readers will note that these organisations are primarily government-related, highlighting a need for private companies to get involved.
Addressing violence against women in the workplace is important, with over 60% of women experiencing some form of violence at work and 75% reporting unwelcome and unwanted sexual behaviour, according to statistics from VicHealth.
White Ribbon Australia outlined a number of steps organisations and individuals alike can take to help combat violence against women:
-
Be aware of how one’s behaviour influences others. In the workplace, this can be achieved through educating employees.
-
Report/speak up if seeing or aware of violent or sexist behaviour against women.
-
Increase staff and managerial knowledge and skills to address issues of violence.
- Recognise proactive and innovative steps being taken by other workplaces.
Image source: White Ribbon Australia.
