THE first graduates from a 16-month workplace accreditation program conducted by the White Ribbon movement have been acknowledged as business advocates in the fight to end violence against women as part of White Ribbon Day 2013.
The White Ribbon Workplace program, which is conducted by the largest male-drive campaign to end violence against women, saw a total of eight organisations accredited in November, with an additional 16 expected to reach completion in December.
The Fair Word Ombudsman, Monash University, the University of Canberra and Together Queensland, Industrial Union of Employees were among the first to complete the program.
White Ribbon CEO Libby Davies said the accreditation program assists workplaces in building awareness, increasing staff and managerial skills to address relevant issues, and taking innovative steps to prevent and respond to such incidences.
“Whether being experienced in a person’s private life or professional life, violence against women impacts on women’s health, safety and capacity to do their work; it also impacts negatively on the organisation’s reputation and level of productivity,” Ms Davies said.
“The White Ribbon Australia Workplace Program builds on existing initiatives that address respectful relationships and gender equity by incorporating primary prevention and early intervention approaches.
“Accredited White Ribbon Workplaces have successfully implemented policies and procedures that will continue to drive positive, critical, social change.”
White Ribbon Workplaces successfully meet three Standards and 17 Criteria that demonstrate zero tolerance to violence against women. They also drive best practice to prevent men’s violence against women in the workplace and to effectively respond to incidents as they arise, be it inside or outside the workplace.
A proactive approach to the prevention of violence against women may ease pressure from the Australian Council of Trade Unions, who last week announced plans to lobby in favour of domestic violence leave being included as a minimum entitlement in the 2014 modern award review.
More than 100 organisations have already expressed interest in becoming White Ribbon Accredited. To learn more about the program and to register your interest, click here.
