A collaborative local project is aiming to create safe inclusive workplaces by ending work-related gendered violence including sexual harassment through gender equality education and promotion.
Work-related gendered violence includes any behaviour, physical or psychological, that is directed or affects a person because of their sex, gender or sexual orientation. Statistics show that violence against young and adult women, LGBTIQA+ people (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and gender diverse, Intersex, Queer, Questioning and Asexual) are higher than violence experienced by other genders.
Gippsland Women's Health, as the lead agency, along with One Gippsland members including all Gippsland municipalities, Federation University, TAFE Gippsland and Gippsland Centre Against Sexual Assault were successful in securing funding for the WorkSafe WorkWell Respect Fund project.
The initiative Our Equal Local Government, in partnership with local governments, seeks to strengthen the current work being undertaken in creating safe inclusive work environments.
The project employs a human centered design approach to promote inclusive and respectful behaviours at work. This involves:
Implementing sustainable systems and creating system level change;
Creating resources to share insights; and,
Developing learning materials for future industry use in strengthening safe, inclusive workplaces.
Gippsland Women's Health chief executive officer Kate Graham said they were excited to expand their collaborations with local councils to end work-related gendered violence including sexual harassment.
"Gendered violence continues to impact our region year after year. This project will highlight to all local businesses and organisations that they can impact change in the community by starting with inclusive safe workplaces."
South Gippsland Shire Council chief executive officer Kerryn Ellis said she was proud to be part of the Our Equal Local Government project because gendered violence in Gippsland communities occurred at a rate that was completely unacceptable.
"As a leader of a local government organisation, I am passionate about doing my part to ensure our organisation is free from gendered violence and discrimination in the workplace, and demonstrates leadership in our community," she said.
Gippsland businesses and organisations are encouraged to visit the project webpage to engage with the project's progress and utilise project focused resources for their own initiatives in creating safe and inclusive workplaces. Find out more via the Gippsland Women's Health website: https://gwhealth.asn.au/our-equal-local-government