Femnet e.V.

Gender-Responsive Health Protection - News

An often neglected aspect of occupational health and safety: Gender-based violence and harassment

In discussions about the health and safety of workers in the textile and footwear industry, gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) is rarely considered. However, a recent study by TURC in Indonesia (2023) and CIVIDEP in India (2023) shows that GBVH has a huge impact on workers' physical and mental health. But what can be done?

An important step in the fight against GBVH in the clothing and footwear industry is, firstly, to include it as a threat to occupational safety and health and, secondly, to raise awareness of the links between GBVH and occupational health.

As part of the multi-stakeholder partnership, FEMNET e.V., Südwind, Cividep India and TURC Indonesia are now approaching decision-makers such as buyers and CSR managers of German and European companies, managers of Indian and Indonesian textile factories, government members and trade union representatives in order to draw attention to the links between gender equality and health and to promote gender-specific occupational safety and health.

This is because: In order for gender-responsive safety and health measures to ensure comprehensive improvements, everyone needs to be involved!

The policy paper “Zero tolerance in fashion” provides more in-depth information on the relationship between GBVH and occupational safety and health (OSH).