On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, trade unions across Europe are urging policymakers to adopt a dedicated directive and equivalent legislative instruments outside the EU to combat violence against women in the world of work.
The Directive on combatting violence against women and domestic violence, adopted earlier this year, falls short of addressing the pervasive violence faced by women in workplaces.
Judith Kirton-Darling, industriAll Europe’s general secretary says: “This was a missed opportunity, significant gaps persist in protection for women in their professional environments.”
Statistics from the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights underscore the urgent need for action: 16% of women in the EU reported that the most serious violence by a non-partner took place at work. This violence includes harassment and abuse by colleagues, supervisors, and third parties, such as clients or customers.
“We also see positive signs; more countries ratify the ILO Convention 190 , the international framework for eliminating violence and harassment in the world of work but we can and must do better” says Judith Kirton-Darling.
“We need comprehensive legal instruments to combat violence in all workplaces, including online spaces. The rise of remote work also requires specific measures to address domestic violence in home office settings.”