The Secretariat invites all members to participate in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, commemorated globally from 25 November to 10 December. This period provides an important opportunity for employers to affirm their commitment to safe, respectful, and inclusive workplaces.

While the 16 Days campaign serves as a global focal point, BE underscores that, for the private sector, the prevention and management of gender-based violence (GBV) and workplace violence and harassment (VH) requires 364 days of sustained action. The campaign period therefore offers a platform to highlight ongoing interventions, share good practices, and encourage collective efforts across industries and value chains.

1. Understanding the Theme: Prevention and Management of Workplace Violence and Harassment

This year’s theme emphasises proactive and effective measures to prevent and respond to violence and harassment in the workplace and throughout business value chains. These responsibilities align with employers’ obligations under national labour legislation and with international standards such as ILO Convention 190, which affirms every worker’s right to dignity, safety, and freedom from all forms of violence and harassment.

Effective prevention requires clear internal policies, robust reporting procedures, training for employees and managers, and consistent enforcement. Management processes must address incidents promptly, uphold confidentiality, and follow survivor-sensitive approaches. Extending these practices to suppliers and contractors is increasingly recognised as a core component of responsible business conduct.

2. Suggested Activities for Members

In support of meaningful participation in the campaign period, members may consider the following actions:

• Deliver employee awareness sessions on workplace violence and harassment, rights, and reporting pathways.
• Issue leadership communication reaffirming zero tolerance for GBV and VH.
• Review, update, or strengthen workplace policies and codes of conduct.
• Provide training for managers, supervisors, and HR practitioners on prevention, incident response, and survivor-sensitive practices.
• Engage suppliers and contractors to reinforce expectations for safe and harassment-free workplaces across the value chain.
• Facilitate wellbeing dialogues, risk assessments, or staff surveys to identify areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with civil society organisations supporting survivors of gender-based violence.

3. Member Activity Calendar and Requests for BE Support

In recognition of the need for continuous action, the Secretariat will use the 16 Days period to showcase its annual interventions and to highlight the efforts of members who are actively strengthening prevention and response systems within their enterprises.

Members are invited to:

• Submit details of their planned activities for the 16 Days, together with any year-long initiatives they wish to profile; and
• Indicate any support required from BE, including training facilitation, awareness materials, technical advice on policy development, or participation in member events.

Please share your planned interventions and any support requests with the Secretariat at your earliest convenience so that they may be incorporated into the consolidated campaign schedule on the below address: communications@busines-eswatini.co.sz

The Secretariat values your commitment to fostering workplaces that uphold dignity, equality, and safety every day of the year. We look forward to collaborating with you throughout the campaign and beyond.

NOTE: Please refer to attached document to read more about the 2025 theme and access links to more information.