How to Ensure Safe Work Environment for Women in Bangladesh

August 19, 2024, 09:39 AM
by Farhana Afrose Rini

UNB News
Publish- August 19, 2024, 09:39 AM
Farhana Afrose Rini
Update- August 19, 2024, 09:58 AM

How to Ensure Safe Work Environment for Women in Bangladesh

Representational image: Freepik

Creating a safe work environment for women fosters equality, productivity, and well-being. In countries like Bangladesh, where cultural and social norms often shape workplace dynamics, it is crucial to implement specific measures that ensure women feel secure and respected at their respective workplaces.

Ways to Ensure Women’s Safety in the Workplace

Implementing Strict Anti-Harassment Policies

Implementing a comprehensive Sexual Harassment Policy is crucial for any organisation, regardless of size. This policy should clearly define what constitutes sexual harassment, including both physical and verbal forms, and provide examples to ensure understanding. A zero-tolerance approach must be emphasised, making it clear that any form of harassment will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

The policy should also educate employees about inappropriate conduct and outline the reporting procedures. Importantly, the Sexual Harassment Policy must specify the consequences for offenders, ensuring that there is no ambiguity about the seriousness of the organisation’s view of preserving the female workers’ safety.

Providing Gender Sensitivity Training

Providing gender sensitivity training is an essential step on the path of ensuring women's safety in the workplace. These training programs should be mandatory for all employees and cover topics like respectful communication, unconscious bias, and the importance of gender equality. In a country like Bangladesh, where traditional gender roles are deeply ingrained, such trainings are particularly impactful in building awareness about ensuring women’s safety at workplaces.

Unconscious biases, though common, can be mitigated through education and training. The senior management and HR teams of organisations should be educated about different types of biases. Training can enable management and employees to recognize and challenge these biases, fostering a safer and more inclusive workplace.

Establishing a Safe Reporting Mechanism

Establishing a safe reporting mechanism is vital for ensuring women's safety in the workplace. Women need to feel confident that they can report harassment or unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation. Implementing anonymous reporting options, such as a hotline, an online system, or a dedicated HR representative, can encourage more women to come forward.

All reports must be taken seriously, with prompt and appropriate action taken to address any issues. By creating an environment where women feel safe and supported in reporting concerns, organizations can maintain trust and uphold a culture of respect and safety.

Creating a Supportive Workplace Culture

Creating a supportive workplace culture is essential for ensuring the safety of female employees. Employers should foster an environment of open communication, where employees feel safe to express their concerns without fear of judgement, mocking, or retaliation. Encouraging mutual respect and support among colleagues can significantly reduce the risk of harassment and discrimination.

This inclusive culture not only helps prevent issues but also promotes a sense of belonging and security for all employees. By prioritising respect and collaboration, organisations can build a workplace where everyone, especially women, feels valued, protected, and empowered to thrive.

Regularly Conducting Safety Audits

This is crucial for ensuring women's safety in the workplace. These audits should thoroughly assess all aspects of safety, including physical infrastructure, security measures, employee behaviour, etc. By identifying potential risks early, organisations can take immediate action to address them, preventing accidents or incidents before they occur.

Regular audits also help maintain a high standard of safety, ensuring that the workplace remains a secure environment for everyone. Prioritising these evaluations reinforces the organisation’s commitment to protecting its employees, and creating a safer and more trustworthy workplace for women.

Implementing Safe Transport Facilities

Implementing safe transport facilities is vital for ensuring the safety of female employees, particularly in Bangladesh, where public transport can often be unsafe. Companies can enhance security by offering shuttle services, especially for women working late shifts. Alternatively, they can collaborate with reliable transport providers to guarantee safe and secure commutes for their employees.

By taking these measures, organisations not only protect their employees but also demonstrate their commitment to creating a supportive and secure work environment. It allows women to focus on their work without worrying about their safety during their commute.

Developing an Internal Complaints Committee

Developing an internal complaints committee in an organisation is crucial for addressing workplace harassment and ensuring women’s safety. In Bangladesh, many organisations still lack proper mechanisms, leaving women hesitant to report abuse. However, such committees must include trained individuals, including women participants.

The committee should be responsible for investigating complaints within 90 days and issuing a report within 10 days. Developing an effective internal complaints committee is essential for creating a safe environment where female employees feel confident to report verbal and sexual harassment, knowing their concerns will be handled with sensitivity and fairness.

Collaboration with External Organizations

Partnering with NGOs, government bodies, or external organisations is a valuable strategy for enhancing women’s safety in the workplace. These collaborations can bring in specialised resources, such as training programs, legal advice, counselling, and support services, which might not be available internally.

Additionally, such partnerships help organisations stay updated with the latest safety practices and legal requirements, ensuring compliance and best practices. By leveraging the expertise of these external entities, companies can create a more comprehensive and effective approach to protecting their female employees.

Encouraging Mental Health Support

Mental well-being is a critical component of workplace safety, especially for women. Companies should offer counselling services and foster a supportive environment where women can seek help for psychological distress caused by stress, harassment, or exclusion. The mental health challenges stemming from gender-based violence, lack of inclusion, and demanding work conditions can lead to issues like anxiety, depression, and even substance use disorders.

Equal Opportunities

Promoting gender equality in hiring, promotions, and leadership roles is essential for ensuring women’s safety and empowerment in the workplace. Companies should commit to equal pay for equal work and regularly review compensation packages to eliminate gender disparities. Providing equal opportunities for advancement, training, and professional development helps empower women and fosters a more inclusive work environment.

Additionally, adopting hiring practices that prioritise diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) ensures a diverse workforce and a culture of fairness. By championing gender equality at all levels, organisations create a safer, more supportive environment where women can thrive.

Healthcare Facilities

To ensure women's safety and well-being in the workplace, it is essential to provide accessible healthcare services and maintain clean, private restrooms. For menstruating women, facilities must be sanitised, well-stocked, and functional to support health and dignity.

Additionally, flexible working hours and adequate maternity leave are crucial. Providing dedicated spaces for nursing reflects a commitment to valuing and retaining talented employees. These measures go beyond mere compliance, fostering a supportive environment that enhances morale and demonstrates respect for women’s needs in the workplace.

Takeaways

Ensuring women’s safety in the workplace is not just about adhering to legal requirements; it is about creating an environment where every employee feels valued, respected, and secure. In Bangladesh, where cultural dynamics often influence workplace behaviour, these measures are especially critical. By implementing these strategies, organisations can make significant strides toward fostering a safer and more inclusive workplace for women.