Elimination of violence against women

Teachers, Education Support Staff, Healthcare Workers and Public Sector Workers Are United: Gender-Based Violence and Abuse Have No Place in Our Homes, Schools or Workplaces

The United Nations has started a worldwide campaign for the elimination of violence against women. It comes at a time when more people than ever are focused on this human rights issue, as exemplified by the #MeToo campaign.

We must call out violence against women and girls in our homes, schools and communities

The United Nations defines violence against women as “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to women,” and sexual harassment is included in this definition. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has published guidelines for defining sexual harassment. 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.

Teachers and education support workers have a key role to play

Schools, from primary level to higher education, are important sites for addressing gender inequalities and preventing gender-based violence. Schools are essential in developing prevention and early intervention programs, and in creating equitable and respectful relationships. Young people cannot learn, thrive or develop trusting relationships when they do not feel safe. 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 local affiliates, the AFT has shared its experience with empowering local unions that are facing the challenge of building safe schools by using the tools for mobilization, member support, community support and political action.

Labor leads the way—international unions are on the frontlines

Sexual harassment and violence against women is a union issue. As trade unions, our traditions are strong in support of human rights and social justice. As workers’ representatives, trade unions must be crystal clear that there will be zero tolerance. Teachers, education support workers, healthcare workers and public sector employees—and their unions—are well placed to be leaders in the fight. While attending the 2017 World Congress of Public Services International—the global trade union federation representing 20 million workers in 154 countries—AFT leaders showed support for the campaign to end violence against women, while members of the AFT’s staff unions joined in their own show of solidarity from Washington, D.C. Union members are invited to take the pledge and learn more about union leadership in ending violence against women in the workplace. The International Trade Union Confederation offers a toolkit for its campaign to end gender-based violence in the workplace.

Additional resources

Read AFT President Randi Weingarten’s statement on the selection of “The Silence Breakers” as Time magazine’s Person of the Year.

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.