As South Africa marks the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), social justice and human rights advocate Kovini Moodley considers 2024 and the prevalence of GBV in South Africa, which affects women in all aspects of their life.
The Change Activist observes that GBV is still pervasive in workplaces.
She said that GBV also encompasses psychological abuse, particularly bullying, harassment, and sexual harassment, or conduct that is detrimental for women and symbolises the inverse of women empowerment.
Moodley, a Risk Management specialist and recent Risk Manager of the Year awardee, notes that an organisation's risks are often symptoms of a larger systemic and pervasive problem.
"There is an urgent need for increased awareness, action, and transformation to protect women in the workplace."
Labour law specialist Ntombomzi Ngada echoed these sentiments and said in 2024, she and her group have aided countless top-tier individuals across various industries who have experienced bullying, harassment, and even sexual harassment at the hands of male bosses.
"What makes the situation frightening is that it is the well-known companies that we all admire and that have all the resources to provide safe environments that are prevailing in this growing 'Corporate GBV'," Ngada said.
"They are always ready to spend money to eliminate and shut down any employee that raises concerns as opposed to dealing with the root causes of this pandemic."
Ngada also criticises companies for turning a blind eye to the law at the expense of their most valuable resource, human capital.
The workplace is where employees spend a significant portion of their life, she said. When employees do not feel comfortable in this place, they may experience stress and worry.
Ngadi said that employers and directors were ethically and legally required to provide for their employees under common law and current Company and Labour legislation, regulations, and the King Codes.
Disregarding safety (both physical and emotional) can lead to legal consequences and harm to a company's reputation.
Nene Molefi of Mandate Molefi, a leading expert business focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, argues that practices concerning GBV in the workplace are typically effectively veiled since abusers are strongly backed by leadership and go unpunished.
"Gaslighting and verbal attacks often follow after an individual chooses to stand up and advocate for themselves," Molefi noted.
Vongai Marabwa, a passionate champion and mentor for workplace justice and equity, joins the debate, emphasising the critical need for structural change.
"It is disheartening to witness the prevalence of GBV and bullying, particularly in corporate settings. We must challenge the culture of silence and empower victims to speak out without fear of reprisal.
"By fostering supportive workplace environments and implementing robust anti-harassment policies, we can create a future where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued," Marabwa said.
IOL