Colloque - Equality in the Workplace
Colloque - Equality in the Workplace
Equality in the Workplace : Zero Tolerance on Gender-Based Discrimination, Harassment and Violence in Europe
Jeudi 8 décembre |
The Crowne Plaza Europa Hotel - Brussels
Equality between women and men is one of the fundamental principles of Community law and, furthermore, harassment is mentioned in the national legislation of seventeen European countries. The European Union's objectives on gender equality are to ensure equal opportunities and equal treatment for men and women and to combat any form of harassment and discrimination on the grounds of gender.
Discrimination in the shape of gender-based violence is prominent in many workplaces with sexual harassment manifesting itself in different forms ; it is always one-sided and unwelcome for the victim. A single incident can constitute sexual harassment, although it often consists of repeated unwelcome and imposed actions. Moreover, violence at work can take the form of psychological intimidation, threats or physical violence. Gender-based violence both reflects and reinforces inequalities between women and men.
2010 saw the Spanish Presidency of the European Union place the eradication of violence against women at the top of its priorities but much work still needs to be done. Indeed, whilst issues around workplace inequalities have been acknowledged for many years, statistics continue to make disturbing reading. In 1998, 30 to 50 per cent of women had experienced some form of violence at work, and in 2001 one in six women was a victim of harassment. This figure rose to an alarming number in 2002 with 56% of women experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace. In the case of sexual harassment, female employees report cases of abuse more than three times as often as males.
Concern about the effects of workplace violence and harassment on the health and safety of workers has been growing over the last decade. Both third-party violence and harassment may have severely negative consequences for the individuals affected and their families, as well as being detrimental to society generally. Although this growing concern has led to better provision of information, there is still an urgent need to improve public and practitioner awareness, and to encourage better dissemination of the proven tools and procedures to prevent and manage these occupational risks.
Public Policy Exchange is proud to continue its equality platform with a special symposium on tackling gender-based discrimination, harassment and violence at work through exchanging best practices between leading practitioners, international organisations and major stakeholders. The Symposium will discuss effective ways to delineate an EU-wide framework for prevention and encourage delegates to engage in thought-provoking topical debate.
Delegates will :
- Share comparative knowledge on gender-based harassment at work and raise awareness of current challenges in Europe
- Explore innovative solutions for effective prevention, targeting the root causes of gender-based violence at work
- Tackle definition challenges and trigger debate on potential policy developments in the area
- Delineate a comprehensive strategy for Europe and provide recommendations for future initiatives
Programme
- 09:15 Registration and Morning Refreshments
- 10:00 Chair's Welcome and Opening Remarks
Prof. Marilyn J. Davidson, Emerita Professor of Work Psychology, Manchester Business School, University of Manchester (confirmed) - 10:10 Session One :
Strengthening Policy Development to Tackle Gender-Based Harassment at Work in Europe- Existing Typologies and Methodologies for Measuring this Phenomenon
- Prevalence and Trends in the Experience of Gender-Based Harassment
- Exchanging Best Practices for Effective Prevention
- Recommendations
Speaker :
Mrs. Sara Riso, Research Officer, European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, Eurofound (confirmed)
- 10:35 First Round of Discussions
- 11:05 Morning Coffee Break
- 11:25 Session Two :
Understanding and Dealing with the Consequences of Sexual Harassment for Individuals- Prevalence Rates and Diversity Issues ( e.g. Gender, Disability, Ethnicity, Sexual Orientation )
- High Risk Work Environments
- Negative Behavioural, Psychological and Physical Health Consequences
- Negative Consequences for Public and Private Life
- Recommendations
Speaker :
Prof. Marilyn J. Davidson, Emerita Professor of Work Psychology, Manchester Business School, University of Manchester (confirmed)
- 11:50 Second Round of Discussions
- 12:20 Networking Lunch
- 13:20 Session Three : The Economic Consequences of Gender-Based Harassment at Work
- Efficiency and Dissatisfaction Factors
- Gender Equality as a Contributor for Economic Growth in Europe
- Confidence, Morale and Performance Consequences - Learning from Best Practices
- Economic Efficiencies of European Enterprises - Challenges and Possible Solutions
- Lower Organisational Commitments
Speaker :
Mgr. Alexandra Jachanová Doleželová, Director , Gender Institute and Czech Women's Lobby, Czech Republic (confirmed)
- 13:55 Third Round of Discussions
- 14:25 Afternoon Coffee Break
- 14:50 Session Four :
Creating an Effective Prevention Strategy against Gender-Based Discrimination and Harassment in Europe- Latest EU Initiatives in the Field of Sexual Harassment
- Gender Equality Index - Practical Implications
- Exchanging Best Practices and Lessons Learned
- Recommendations
Speaker :
Ms. Daniela Bankier, Head of Gender Equality Unit, DG Justice, European Commission (tbc)
- 15:15 Fourth Round of Discussions
- 15:35 Chair's Summary and Closing Remarks
- 15:40 Networking Reception
- 16:10 Symposium Close