According to the latest yearly report (CATAHU) of the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan), there were more than 457,000 reported cases of gender-based violence in 2022. This statistic underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts to create safer and more inclusive environments, transcending traditional business concerns.

Particularly noteworthy is the fact that the National Commision on Violence Against Women received 1,276 case reports of gender-based violence in public spaces, including the workplace. In this context, the growth of internet and social media use across the country has enabled the amplification of awareness about gender-based violence.

Grassroots and online activism has catalyzed the enactment of the Law on Sexual Violence Crimes (Undang-Undang No. 12 Tahun 2022 tentang Tindak Pidana Kekerasan Seksual/UU TPKS) in 2022. Subsequently, the Ministry of Manpower’s issuance of the Guidelines for the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence in the Workplace (Kepmenaker No. 88 Tahun 2023 tentang Pedoman Pencegahan dan Penanganan Kekerasan Seksual di Tempat Kerja) demonstrates a commitment to addressing this issue comprehensively.

This evolving legal landscape underscores the growing societal expectation for businesses to not only comply with regulations but to proactively contribute to social well-being. Given the prevalence of gender-based violence in workplaces, it becomes imperative for organizations to prioritize a holistic approach in their operations, encompassing Environmental, Social, Governance considerations.

Therefore, the proposed collaboration between our SHARE program and your organization is to provide training and awareness on this issue, and add significant impact within the ESG framework. By equipping your team members with the knowledge and tools to identify and address incidents of workplace sexual harassment, they should aim to not only foster a workplace culture of awareness and prevention, but also fulfill their social responsibility commitments. Creating a safer and more inclusive workplace aligns with the principles of social well-being, gender equality, and human rights, contributing positively to the overall societal fabric.

Further, removing gender barriers not only unlocks economic productivity, deepens social cohesion, and enhances well-being for current and future generations, as highlighted in the World Bank Gender Strategy 2024-2030. By providing training and education, the partnership aims to empower businesses and dismantle gender barriers.