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Toronto – November 21, 2024 – The 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign that shines a spotlight on the devastating issue of gender-based violence (GBV), which impacts millions of women, Two-Spirit, transgender, non-binary, and gender nonconforming individuals worldwide.
The campaign begins on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and emphasizes the urgent need for collective action to combat all forms of violence, including physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse. The campaign concludes on December 10, International Human Rights Day, which commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. This day reaffirms the fundamental principle that all people, regardless of gender, deserve to live free from violence and discrimination.
A growing concern during the 16 Days of Activism is the rising violence and harassment faced by workers, particularly those in customer-facing roles. From verbal abuse to physical assaults, employees in retail, healthcare, and public service are increasingly exposed to harmful behavior from customers. This not only jeopardizes their safety and well-being but also perpetuates a dangerous culture where violence is seen as an unavoidable part of the job.
The National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, which has agreements in place across every province, emphasizes the importance of addressing all forms of gender-based violence. However, workplace violence—especially that which disproportionately affects women and marginalized groups—has often been overlooked in national conversations. It is vital that workplace violence be integrated into these discussions to ensure comprehensive, effective solutions.
In response, the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 190 – the Violence and Harassment Convention (C-190), adopted in 2019, sets international standards for eliminating workplace violence and harassment. The convention calls for collaboration among unions, employers, and governments to create safer, more respectful workplaces. It emphasizes the need for policies that protect workers while fostering a culture of dignity and respect.
The Violence is Not Part of the Job: Respect Frontline Workers campaign plays a crucial role in advocating for change by raising awareness and insisting that violence and harassment should never be considered “part of the job.” In 2023, UFCW Canada’s Women & Gender Equity Committee launched a national survey, gathering responses from thousands of frontline workers who reported a disturbing increase in workplace violence. In response, the #NotPartOfTheJob campaign highlights this growing issue and calls on employers to take immediate action to eliminate gender-based violence in the workplace. Through social media initiatives like #NotPartOfTheJob, individuals are encouraged to join the movement, demanding respect for all workers and ensuring that incidents of workplace violence are addressed swiftly and effectively.
The 16 Days of Activism provides an opportunity to reflect on these critical issues, take action, and push for a safer, more just workplace for everyone. It is essential that employers take proactive steps to protect their employees, ensuring that workplaces are free from harassment and violence, and creating supportive environments for all.
How you can get involved:
Your activism throughout the 16 days – and all year long – can help eliminate gender-based violence. For more information about the work of UFCW Canada’s Women and Gender Equity Committee, check out www.ufcw.ca/women.
