Take Action: Join AFT’s fight and take action with Public Services International’s toolkit to end violence against women and eliminate workplace violence and harassment around the world.
We Must Call out Violence Against Women and Girls in our Workplaces, Homes, Schools and Communities
Violence against women and sexual harassment is prevalent in every community and affects all people, regardless of age, socioeconomic status, race or nationality. On average, 1 in 3 women worldwide has been physically abused by a partner in her lifetime, while 54 percent of American women have experienced sexual harassment in their daily lives. As AFT President Randi Weingarten has said, "for decades, whether it be on college campuses or in workplaces, women felt they couldn’t speak out about sexual harassment or assault out of fear they wouldn’t be listened to or would be retaliated against... this campaign has broken the silence of countless women wide open, and there will be no turning back.”
Gender-based violence against women has increased significantly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. As a response to this, the United Nations Secretary General's Executive Committee, under the "UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence against Women" campaign, has launched a "political engagement strategy" with goals to: 1) "Accelerate concrete policy responses to gender-based violence in the context of COVID-19" and 2) "promote zero tolerance of gender-based violence across all spheres of society everywhere."
Teachers and Education Support Workers Have a Key Role to Play
From pre-K to higher education, schools are important sites for addressing gender inequalities and preventing gender-based violence. The American Federation of Teachers is committed to fighting for public schools that are safe, welcoming places for teaching and learning. Through the AFT’s Share My Lesson, teachers can find important resources on discussing sexual harassment and promoting healthy relationships. For educators seeking higher-level resources, the International Trade Union Confederation offers a toolkit for its campaign to end gender-based violence in the workplace.
Labor Leads the Way—International Unions Are on the Frontlines
Join the campaign to ratify International Labor Organization Convention 190 which is the first international treaty to declare a worldwide right to work in a setting free from violence and harassment, including violence and harassment based on gender.
Fighting sexual harassment and violence against women is a union issue. As workers’ representatives, trade unions must be clear that there will be zero tolerance of gender-based violence. Teachers, education support workers, healthcare workers and public sector employees—and their unions—are well placed to be leaders in the fight.
AFT stands with Education International and Public Services International in the worldwide campaign for the elimination of violence against women. Union members are invited to learn more from PSI about union leadership in ending violence against women in the workplace.
AFT leaders meet and pledge to end violence against women.
AFT staff members call for an end to violence
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AFT Secretary-Treasurer Emerita Lorretta Johnson demands an end to gender-based violence.
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AFT staff show their solidarity in the fight to eliminate gender-based violence.
Additional Resources
Education International (EI), and Public Services International (PSI), and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) are all members of a coalition that met to draft a document supporting anti-violence campaigns. Their report is here.
Futures Without Violence works to prevent violence against women and children through building healthier relationships and communities.
Workplaces Respond is a national clearinghouse and collaboration of stakeholders—employers, unions, communities—campaigning against domestic violence and sexual harassment.
Social media hashtags to use: #EndVAW and #OrangetheWorld.
The Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence provides assistance for understanding and preventing gender violence through its Safe Communities Safe Schools Initiative.
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence tracks definitions and statistics and discusses the intersection of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Education International (EI), and Public Services International (PSI), and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) are all members of a coalition that met to draft a document supporting anti-violence campaigns. Their report is here.
Futures Without Violence works to prevent violence against women and children through building healthier relationships and communities.
Workplaces Respond is a national clearinghouse and collaboration of stakeholders—employers, unions, communities—campaigning against domestic violence and sexual harassment.
Social media hashtags to use: #EndVAW and #OrangetheWorld.
The Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence provides assistance for understanding and preventing gender violence through its Safe Communities Safe Schools Initiative.
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence tracks definitions and statistics and discusses the intersection of domestic violence and sexual assault.
