Jaidyn Kennedy
The state government has launched a new initiative to prevent gendered workplace violence.
The WorkWell Respect Network will aim to build knowledge among workplace leaders, senior management, unions and employer representatives to prevent and respond to gendered violence in the workplace, including sexual harassment.
Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Danny Pearson spoke about the initiative.
“The WorkWell Respect Network will bring industry leaders together to prevent work-related gendered violence, encouraging workplaces to share their insights and learn from each other.”, he said.
WorkSafe Victoria has partnered with the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre at Victoria University to establish the network, which will bring workplaces together to hare evidence, insights, best practice approaches and resources.
Work-related gendered violence includes any behaviour that affects the health and safety of someone because of their gender or sexual orientation, or because they do not conform to gender stereotypes. It can include sexual harassment, stalking, verbal abuse, unwelcome comments or gestures, and even threats or physical violence.
The network will focus on preventing gendered violence targeted at women and non-binary people who work in industries deemed high-risk .
A 2022 Australian Human Rights Commission survey found that one in three people had experienced workplace sexual harassment in the previous five years, and one in five within the previous year.
The survey also found that only a third of Australian workers think their organisation is doing enough to combat the issue.
The learning network is part of the $6.6 million WorkWell Respect Program. The program incorporates the WorkWell Respect Fund, which provides funding to support evidence-based projects to create industry-wide change in health care, education, local government and the legal system.
The 18-month initiative will offer a series of events between July 2024 and February 2025.
For more information, visit wwrn.com.au.
