8 march.2021: friends here i m going to publish a article about gender equality and measures should take as protection of women rights specially against sexual harassment at home as well as work place, whole article will focus on prevailing situations in france, a developed country, from suggestions, gaps, obstacles etc. civil society and govt. of india can learn many things for future assignments.
International Women’s Day on March 8 is a stark reminder of how gender discrimination and gender-based violence – in homes, in relationships, on the streets, and at work – is a devastating reality for women and girls across France.
In the last year only survivors and activists have called for improved protection from sexual harassment and violence at work and demanded immediate measures to address alarming increases in domestic violence during pandemic-related lock downs. They have sought long-term government action to combat against discrimination and serious crime against and brought greater visibility many civil society organisation demands a justifying push to raise the age of sexual consent and fight sexual violence against children.
Along with Mexico, France will co-host the Generation Equality Forum this coming summer to bring together governments, civil society, and corporations to create and commit to a 10-year blueprint to accelerate progress on gender equality.
France says it aims to be a champion for gender equality internationally, but it also should be a champion at home also. President Macron and parliament should act for bold reforms to fight gender-based violence, and show up on the global stage not only as a convener but also as a role model.
In an April 2019 survey conducted by Ifop for Fondation Jean Jaurès and Foundation for European Progressive Studies, 30 percent of women in France surveyed reported sexual harassment at work. Sexual harassment and violence affects all types of workers, from government employees to those who provide care in private homes. France has significant gaps in prevention measures, workplace support, and the ability to obtain legal remedies.
To change the daily reality for workers, though, ratification must be accompanied by national reforms.
First, the government should introduce penalties for employers who do not have a violence protection plan and do not address sexual harassment in their assessment of occupational risks. French law requires these plans, but a reported 80 percent of employers don’t have them.
Second, the French government should prohibit companies from dismissing workers for reasons related to domestic violence and guarantee survivors’ flexibility to reorganize their working hours to protect against the abuse (specially sexual). The Covid-19 pandemic highlights the importance of such protections so that domestic violence victims can ensure their safety without fear of losing their jobs. France should join New Zealand, which provides domestic violence survivors 10 days of paid leave to seek safety and help.
Third, the government should train and broaden the mandate of employee counselors to support workers dealing with sexual harassment and other gender-based violence including domestic violence. It should also mandate training for managers and human resources personnel, and “know your rights” awareness-raising programs for all workers and employees . Stigma and fear of retaliation and other obstacles impede reporting sexual harassment and violence at work.
Finally, France should require French companies to identify, prevent and respond to the risks of violence and sexual harassment in their work place and supply chains, unfortunately if it happens than strong action should be taken without any kind of delay.
President Macron and the French government have made positive – albeit overdue – commitments to prioritize and fight gender-based violence. Before this summer’s international forum. France should not only ratify the ILO convention but introduce strong and progressive national reforms to combat workplace violence and harassment. This is key for protecting women workers in France and setting a high standard for commitment and action by other governments ahead of the Generation Equality Forum this summer.
source- complete article is based on suggestions, request and comments by Human rights watch
