The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a key international moment calling for an end to violence against women and girls. It runs from 25 November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) until 10 December, Human Rights Day.
In every country and culture, more action is needed to ensure women in all their diversity live free of violence and coercion. Health impacts of violence can last a lifetime, affecting physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health. WHO plays a key role in bringing attention to and responding to violence against women as a public health, gender equality and human rights issue.
Global union federations are responding to this year’s theme to “UNiTE! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls. Every day for 16 days, global trade unions share and spotlight how violence and harassment is affecting women in the world of work.
ITF campaigns to end gender-based violence in transport workplaces by supporting transport unions to drive change across internal, government, employer and workplace levels through the first ever international law on violence at work, building women’s workplace advocacy, and exposing the impact of domestic violence on workplaces.
We highlight ILO Convention 190 as a powerful tool for prevention, and celebrate the powerful grassroot campaigns on C190 unions are building.
Violence against women transport workers is preventable. To prevent violence, mitigate the risk factors and amplify the protective factors. (WHO 2019 publication RESPECT women)
Women transport workers are often at risk of violence and harassment.
C190 makes it clear that violence and harassment are incompatible with decent work. It addresses gender-based violence and supports women’s attraction, retention and progression in this male-dominated industry.
The ITF C190 transport toolkit specifically focuses on certain risk factors for women transport workers, such as domestic violence, third party violence, informal work and the commute.
This year we ask unions to focus on the commute. Unions play a significant role in preventing violence against women, improving our workplaces for all. We can be the change we want to see! Get involved and:
- Organise a meeting, rally or demonstration to take place over the 16 days of activism to empower and educate on the vital need to prevent violence against women workers. Use C190 campaign materials such as the ITF C190 Transport Workers Toolkit and Toolkit Explainer Film.
- Follow @ITFglobalunion and @ITF_Women and share posts during the 16 days of activism on your social media channels.
- Take a photo of your members holding C190 Campaign posters, share on union social media channels and tag @ITFGlobal and @ITFwomen – using the hashtags #16Days #RatifyC190 #ITFWomen #ThisIsOurWorldToo
