Private sector joins global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign

Business companies that are signatories to the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) have rejoined the 16-day campaign against gender-based violence, continuing the initiative that was launched in November 2020.

The WEPs signatory companies have focused on the elimination of sexual harassment in the workplace and responded to the global campaign with a special statement, which has been spread through various communication channels and reads in part: “We, the employers, can play an actual role in the process of eliminating gender-based violence, including the prevention and elimination of sexual harassment. Our main aspiration - the implementation of the Women’s Empowerment Principles - is primarily based on the creation of a non-violent environment in the workplace and the promotion of gender equality. That is why we are trying to create mechanisms for the prevention of and response to sexual harassment within our organizations, striving to raise the awareness of employees and telling any employee who may face this problem that they can rely on our support.”

Along with the announcement, business companies coloured their official social media accounts orange, in solidarity with the 16-day campaign. A special banner for Facebook was created by the company GEPRA, which is also a signatory to the WEPs. On 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the screen on the façade of the Biltmore Tbilisi Hotel was symbolically illuminated in orange. It is noteworthy that in order to raise awareness, companies disseminated various information materials on gender-based violence during the 16 days.

“Creating a healthy workplace environment for a successful business should be a priority, which means ensuring gender equality and equal opportunities,” said Nino Suknidze, Vice President of the Georgian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “It is important for the private sector to prevent any form of harassment and to introduce appropriate mechanisms in the organization.”

The Women’s Empowerment Principles serve as a guide to help the private sector achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment. UN Women has been working on the introduction of these principles in Georgia since 2014, and more than 100 companies in the country have already signed on to them. This activity is carried out by UN Women with the support of the Government of Norway.