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Acting to end violence against women

25 November, 2015Today is the United Nations’ international day for the elimination of violence against women. It marks the start of 16 days of action across the world that end on 10 December, Human Rights Day. 

One in three women and girls have experienced physical or sexual violence according to the UN.  In some countries, it is as high as 7 in ten.

IndustriALL assistant general secretary, Monika Kemperle, said:

Violence against women is a trade union issue. Women working in precarious and low-paid jobs are particularly vulnerable to physical abuse and bullying.  Many women fear reporting violence in case they lose their jobs.

At IndustriALL Global Union’s Women World Conference in Austria this September, more than 300 women trade unionists from over 60 countries endorsed a permanent IndustriALL campaign against violence.

This includes measures working to negotiate clauses against violence in collective bargaining agreements; to make violence a topic in union networks; and to commemorate 25 November – International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

This year the United Nations is asking people to ‘orange the world’ inviting organizations to plan orange-coloured events to raise awareness of violence against women and girls.

“Gender-based violence takes many forms and stopping violence against women in the workplace must be at the top of the agenda for trade unions when it comes to negotiating with employers and educating workers,” said Kemperle.

Tell us about your actions to stand up against violence against women by emailing: [email protected]