WCIC endorses importance of GBVH-free workplaces and ILO Convention 190

Gender-based violence and harassment in the workplace affect both men and women; however, women experience it disproportionately 

• Women face Gender Based Violence and Harassment (GBVH) at Corporates and in Entrepreneurial businesses

Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) has been actively working to create workplace environments that are free from Gender-Based Violence and Harassment (GBVH), enabling women to thrive and contribute meaningfully. 

Over the past few years, in collaboration with the Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), WCIC undertook extensive research to understand the realities faced by professional women and women entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka.

“Working on the latest project of CIPE - the WCIC will strive to move forward meaningful action to make some head way,” said WCIC Project Chair Tusitha Kumarakulasingam.

The research revealed that awareness of GBVH and experiences of harassment in the workplace are widespread. While GBVH has appeared on the agendas of many organizations, the study found that no formal, conclusive actions have been implemented to address the issue effectively.

Based on the survey findings, WCIC sought to create a forward-looking pathway toward a better tomorrow, guided by the objective:

“Break the Bias for a Better Tomorrow: Promote and Invest in a Decent Workplace for Women – Ratify ILO Convention 190.”

Gender-based violence and harassment in the workplace affect both men and women; however, women experience it disproportionately. Until now, there has been limited documentation or evidence to understand the scale and magnitude of the issue. Many women are also unaware of what constitutes GBVH. Through this survey—conducted for WCIC by Kantar Sri Lanka—the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce aimed to bridge this knowledge gap and educate working women about GBVH, while empowering them with information on the steps they can take if they face such incidents.

Key Survey Findings

The survey outcomes highlighted several critical issues:

• Working women in Sri Lanka have limited understanding of harassment and are often unaware that it constitutes an offence.
• Many women are not knowledgeable about the full scope of behaviors that constitute harassment.
• Awareness was highest regarding bullying, followed by discrimination and sexual or physical harassment.
• Women entrepreneurs reported experiencing higher levels of sexual and physical harassment compared to professionals.
• Women reported experiencing GBVH across all categories, with bullying being the most prevalent.
• While some women were aware that complaints could be made to HR, there was little confidence that such complaints would be handled fairly.
• Most respondents lacked awareness of existing laws, legal processes, or organizations that could support them.
• Among women who experienced GBVH, 80 percent took no action.
• Fear of career repercussions, victim-blaming, and not being believed led many women to remain silent.
• Although some organizations had policies and procedures in place, in the majority of cases these were not implemented in a fair or effective manner.

The Cost of GBVH

The “cost of GBVH” in Sri Lanka refers to the broad social and economic impact of gender-based violence and harassment, rather than a specific monetary value. Research shows that GBVH places a significant burden on individuals, businesses, and the national economy through both direct and indirect costs.

Key insights include:

• Workplace Costs: A 2022 International Finance Corporation (IFC) study across nine Sri Lankan companies estimated that workplace violence and harassment resulted in the loss of approximately six working days per employee per year, costing these companies at least USD 1.7 million in total.
• Healthcare Costs: Organizations such as the Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka (FPA Sri Lanka) and the World Bank are conducting research to assess the costs of providing GBV response services through healthcare facilities, including “Mithuru Piyasa” centres.
• Broader Economic Impact: GBVH leads to reduced productivity through absenteeism and presenteeism, increased staff turnover, healthcare expenses, legal costs, and significant intangible costs such as pain, trauma, and loss of dignity.
• National and Global Impact: Globally, the United Nations estimated in 2016 that violence against women costs approximately 2 percent of global GDP (around USD 1.5 trillion), underscoring the scale of the issue.

The Way Forward

To address these issues in a systematic and sustainable manner, ILO Convention 190 (C190) is widely recognized as a critical pathway forward. While many organizations, including WCIC, have actively advocated for the ratification of the Convention, meaningful progress has yet to be achieved. As ratification requires government facilitation, the commitment and conviction of relevant authorities are essential for advancing this agenda and ensuring decent, safe, and inclusive workplaces for women.