The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has launched two initiatives aimed at tackling gender-based violence and harassment in workplaces.
The projects a Gender-Based Violence Center of Expertise and the Respect Work Program are designed to help companies build safer and more respectful working environments.
The Center of Expertise will act as a knowledge hub, offering toolkits, training, and advisory support to businesses. It will guide companies in putting in place policies that protect workers and promote accountability.
In Kenya, the Respect Work Program will run under IFC’s Kenya2Equal Initiative in partnership with the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE).
The program gives companies a peer-learning platform to share experiences and borrow from global best practices, including guidance from ILO Convention 190.
IFC says the benefits of addressing workplace harassment go beyond improving staff welfare. Firms that act on the problem are more likely to retain talent, raise productivity, and strengthen their public image.
“Gender-based violence and harassment is not just a personal issue, it is a workplace issue, and one that demands urgent and collective action,” said Gillian Rogers, IFC’s Principal Country Officer in Kenya. “Workplaces free from violence and harassment are more productive, innovative, and inclusive.”
