The Gender Equity Survey (GES) and baseline study by Yayasan CARE Peduli (YCP) reveal that female workers in the garment sector frequently endure high productivity pressures and encounter gender inequality in the workplace, including sexual harassment and discrimination. These challenges adversely affect their well-being, making them more susceptible to health, security, and safety risks.
“Addressing gender inequality and creating a safe and equitable workplace requires engaging company management to fully understand and address the gender-related challenges faced by female workers in the garment industry,” said Thaufiek Zulbahary, Gender Specialist at Yayasan CARE Peduli (YCP) for the Target Gender Equity Framework (TGEF) program, at the opening of the training on gender-based violence (GBV) and violence against women (VAW) for management at YCP partner PT Dasan Pan Pacific in Sukabumi District (27/7). Thaufiek emphasized that the training is designed to build management’s capacity to identify various forms of workplace violence and to reinforce their commitment to prevention and response strategies. The session was attended by 34 management representatives from PT Dasan Pan Pacific and PT Glory Industrial, both partners in the TGEF program in June and July 2024.
Thaufiek noted that the interactive group discussion method effectively engages participants, facilitating active involvement and providing a clear understanding of the root causes, examples of behaviour, impacts on victims, and the services required to address gender-based violence (GBV) and violence against women (VAW).
Vemi Januarita, Warehouse Supervisor at PT Dasan Pan Pacific, remarked that the training has significantly enhanced her understanding of different forms of gender-based violence (GBV), discrimination, and the additional burdens faced by women. “My colleagues and I are now more equipped to prevent all types of gender-based violence and are committed to creating a safe and violence-free workplace,” she stated.
At a similar training session at PT Glory, Risca Dwi Ambarsari, Gender Specialist at Yayasan CARE Peduli (YCP) for the Target Gender Equity Framework (TGEF) program in Semarang Regency, highlighted the use of role-playing and games to help participants better understand and identify gender-based violence (GBV) and violence against women (VAW) both in and outside the workplace. “This interactive training provides in-depth knowledge and practical skills for recognizing gender-based violence and the complexities of violence against women. One of the exercises, a spider web game, involves case studies of violence. Participants are divided into four groups to discuss and analyze the systems that perpetuate violence. By engaging with real-life scenarios, management can enhance their responses and prevention strategies for gender-based violence within the company,” she explained.
Sentosa, HRD Manager at PT Glory, praised the training, noting that the interactive approach made the material more accessible. “This type of training is highly effective. The interactive methods, such as games, make the content easier to absorb. While topics on violence can often be complex and challenging, this session was delivered in a clear and simple way, with the key messages conveyed effectively. We are very grateful to Yayasan CARE Peduli,” she said.
Creating a violence-free workplace requires the active involvement of all stakeholders. A gender-responsive system can only be achieved when both company management and employees are engaged. “We hope to see continued growth in awareness and understanding of the importance of a safe and inclusive work environment,” said Thaufiek.
Yayasan CARE Peduli (YCP) is dedicated to advancing gender equality and ensuring a safe, violence-free workplace through these training programs. To further deepen understanding of gender issues, gender-based violence (GBV), and violence against women (VAW), additional training sessions will be conducted soon.
Writer: Nurainy Darono
Editor: Swiny Adestika
