When a woman is harassed, humiliated or assaulted at work, the very notion of decent work for all is imperilled and we are all less free. When a woman comes to work, bruised in body and spirit, we must all take a stand.

On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, we must be clear that gender equality is the means to eliminate violence in the world of work, and that gender equality is the goal.

The traditional approach that seeks to protect “vulnerable” women, casts them in the role of victim. Let us focus instead on transforming gender stereotypes and unequal power relations between men and women that underpin such violence.

The situation is stark. As the ILO’s meeting of worker, employer and government experts on Violence against Women and Men in the World of Work this October recently observed:

• Violence and harassment may prevent women from entering the labour market, especially in male-dominated sectors and jobs, and remaining therein;

When a woman is harassed, humiliated and assaulted at work, the very notion of decent work for all is imperilled."

• Workers, in particular women workers, are at risk when they are expected to provide sexual services or endure harassment in exchange for getting a job or promotion, in order to keep a job or in order to access their wages;
• Women are disproportionately represented in low-wage jobs, especially in the lower tiers of the supply chains, and are too often subject to discrimination, sexual harassment and other forms of workplace violence and harassment;
• Violence and harassment cannot be considered “part of the job”, neither for women nor for men.

The ILO is carrying out research to deepen understanding of why women are disproportionately affected by violence and harassment at work and what it takes to prevent and protect them against it. What’s more, the world’s governments, employers and workers are preparing for new international labour standards on violence and harassment against women and men in the world of work, with a first discussion scheduled at the International Labour Conference in June 2018.

Ending violence against women is about guaranteeing the basic rights of women and liberating us all from the ties of prejudice, misogyny and inequality. The path is clear, and the ILO will continue its work until the entire world of work is free from violence.