IFPTE Women’s Solidarity Network Encourages All IFPTE Members to Participate in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that kicks off on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and runs until December 10, Human Rights Day. Within this period, Canada's National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on December 6 falls within the 16 Days of Activism and is marked with vigils and events that commemorate the lives lost during the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre in Montreal and highlight the ongoing issue of femicide and gender-based violence across the country.
 

The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) is encouraging unions to amplify their campaign theme, "Not Part of the Job: End GBV at Work," calling attention to the rise in gender-based violence and harassment against public-facing workers by third parties. 

We are asking IFPTE members to participate by taking to social media with the following messages:

  •  Violence and harassment is an issue that affects workers in all their diversity. Often, violence and harassment are gender-based (GBVH). #16Days

  • Gender-based violence and harassment at work is not ‘normal’ nor ‘part of the job’. We stand united against all forms of violence in the workplace – because safety and respect are every worker’s right. #16Days

  • Canada took a standby ratifying ILO C -190 last year – a global commitment to end violence and harassment in the workplace. But without an actionable plan, it’s just words. It's time to make every workplace safe for all. #16Days

  • Third-party violence and harassment (TPVH) against front-line/public-facing workers, especially women and gender-diverse workers, is on the rise. #16Days

  • Third-party violence and harassment (i.e. from clients, customers, patients, students) is one of the most common sources of harassment and violence in the workplace. It’s time for governments and employers to step up and put a stop to it – no one should feel unsafe at work. #16Days. 

The 16 Days of Activism is an opportunity to reflect, advocate, and take concrete steps toward eliminating gender-based violence in the workplace and beyond. By raising awareness, amplifying critical messages, and holding employers and governments accountable, we can contribute to creating safer, more respectful environments for all workers. Let us stand in solidarity, commit to action, and ensure that every workplace is a space free from violence and harassment.


In Solidarity,

IFPTE Women’s Solidarity Network (WSN)
Download WSN statement