Empowerment of Women Through Preventing Sexual Harassment and Gender-Based Violence in Industry

Summary

Awaj Foundation, with support from the Foundation for a Just Society (FJS), implements the project “Empowerment of Women Through Preventing Sexual Harassment and Gender-Based Violence in Industry” to promote gender justice, protect women workers’ rights, and create safe, inclusive, and equitable workplaces in Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG), leather, and ceramic sectors. The project focuses on preventing sexual harassment and gender-based violence (GBV) through workers’ rights awareness, leadership development, capacity building, advocacy, and social dialogue. It works to strengthen women workers’ leadership and participation in workplace decision-making while engaging trade unions, factory management, and other stakeholders to promote workplace accountability and effective mechanisms for preventing and addressing harassment and discrimination. The initiative also extends its support to marginalized communities, including Dalit communities and migrant workers, through awareness-raising on human rights, safe migration, health and hygiene, financial management, and child marriage prevention. Daycare services for garment workers’ children and educational support for Dalit children further contribute to the wellbeing of workers’ families and disadvantaged communities. By connecting gender justice with collective worker voice, leadership, and access to support mechanisms, the project seeks to empower women workers to exercise their rights, challenge discrimination, and contribute to safer, more dignified, and gender-responsive workplaces and communities.

Key achievements

Strengthened workers’ knowledge and awareness of labour rights, gender-based violence, sexual harassment, leadership, and climate change through training and capacity-building initiatives.
Enhanced the capacity of Dalit community members on health, hygiene, financial management, and child marriage prevention, promoting community awareness and wellbeing.
Supported the establishment of Anti-Harassment Committees and facilitated social dialogue among workers, factory management, and relevant stakeholders to strengthen workplace accountability and prevent harassment.
Organized awareness campaigns on gender-based violence, labour rights, migrant worker protection, Dalit rights, human rights, and climate-related issues.
Promoted awareness of safe migration, zero migration costs, and migrant workers’ rights while encouraging informed decision-making and access to protection.
Supported garment workers’ families through daycare services, helping promote children’s wellbeing and providing support to working parents.
Facilitated private tuition and educational assistance for children from Dalit communities to support their learning and educational development.
Strengthened women workers’ leadership, confidence, and participation in workplace decision-making while enhancing union representatives’ capacity to negotiate with factory management, address workplace injustice, and advocate for fair treatment.
Contributed to promoting gender equality, preventing workplace discrimination and gender-based violence, and advancing safer, more inclusive, and dignified working environments for women workers.

Awaj Foundation

Awaj Foundation