All women and men have the right to live and work free from violence and harassment. However, while this is
generally accepted, violence and harassment remains pervasive throughout the world of work. It affects all jobs,
sectors and occupations. It has serious consequences for workers, their families and communities, as well as for
enterprises’ reputations and productivity.
Violence and harassment against women in the world of work – the topic of this Handbook – hampers women’s
empowerment and their access to and progress in the labour market. It also affects the sustainability of the
economy in general and perpetuates occupational gender segregation. Violence and harassment against women
is often rooted in unequal gender power dynamics, gender stereotypes, patriarchal values and historical inequalities between men and women.
Recently, global movements have raised their voices against this phenomenon, calling for real change to achieve
safe, healthy and respectful work environments for all women. There is hope – and it is coming from the world
of work itself.
As the second centenary of the International Labour Organization begins, and the 25th anniversary of the
Beijing Platform for Action approaches, the ILO and UN Women are proud to present this Handbook. It provides
a glimpse into emerging good practices to address violence and harassment against women in the world of
work, by governments, employers, workers and their organizations, and civil society. We hope that, through its
systematic compilation of lessons and practical actions, the Handbook will make an important contribution to
decent work and gender equality for all.
Read the FULL report here!
