Violence against women (VAW) is a human rights violation and a barrier to achieving inclusive growth and sustainable business. An estimated 35 percent of women
worldwide have experienced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner rape at some point in their lives. Unacceptable rates of violence
and harassment extend well beyond the home into the world of work, as clearly demonstrated by the #MeToo movement.
HERrespect helps promote gender equality in the workplace through participatory training for workers and management, awareness raising campaigns in workplaces, and review of polices and practices. By shifting norms that reinforce unequal relationships between women and men, supporting improved communication and teamwork, and strengthening factory systems, HERrespect aims to address the root causes of violence against women. HERrespect was developed collaboratively with the South African Medical Research Council, under the DFID-funded What Works to Prevent Violence Programme.
This program summary explains why HERrespect was developed, how it works, and what impact it has.
