Beyond Awareness: Empowering Businesses to Tackle Gender-Based Violence
Gender-based violence is not solely a social issue; it is also a workplace and business concern that requires awareness, understanding and proactive action from employers. Recognising this, The Malta Chamber brought together professionals and key stakeholders for an information session entitled ‘Do Not Look Away – Gender-Based Violence is also a Business Issue’, highlighting the important role businesses can play in preventing violence and supporting employees who may be affected, both within and beyond the workplace.
The event formed part of the project ‘Strengthening Employer Response to Gender Based Violence’, led by The Malta Chamber Foundation and funded by the Commission on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence through the Together We Empower programme.
The session opened with addresses by Hon. Rosianne Cutajar, Minister for Equality and Civil Rights; Rachel Bondi Attard, Head – Media and Communications Strategist at The Malta Chamber; and Samantha Pace Gasan, Commissioner for Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence. Their contributions underlined the importance of collective responsibility and the need for stronger awareness and engagement across different sectors of society, including the business community.
Moving beyond awareness, the session provided participants with practical insights into the responsibilities employers have in creating safe and supportive working environments.
Dr Matthew Brincat, Partner at Ganado Advocates, explored the legal obligations of employers in ensuring workplaces are free from harassment. His contribution highlighted the importance of understanding the relevant legal framework and taking appropriate measures to protect employees, while ensuring that workplace policies and practices address harassment effectively.
The discussion then turned to the realities faced by victims of gender-based violence. Louise Calleja, Assistant Commissioner at the Malta Police Force, provided an overview of the different forms of violence experienced by victims and how these continue to evolve. Her contribution reinforced the importance of recognising that violence is not always visible and that its effects can extend into an individual’s professional life, affecting their wellbeing, safety and ability to work.
A panel discussion, moderated by Rachel Bondi Attard, brought together perspectives on how employers and Human Resources professionals can translate awareness into meaningful action. The discussion explored how organisations can better recognise potential signs of gender-based violence, respond sensitively to employees who may be experiencing it, and provide appropriate support and protection.
Ultimately, businesses have an important role to play in fostering a culture where employees feel safe, respected and supported. This requires more than policies on paper; it calls for informed leadership, clear procedures, appropriate training and a willingness to act when concerns arise.
Through the ‘Strengthening Employer Response to Gender Based Violence’ project, The Malta Chamber Foundation continues to encourage employers to recognise their influence in addressing this issue. By equipping businesses with the knowledge and tools to respond effectively, the initiative seeks to make workplaces part of the solution.
Because creating safer workplaces is not simply a matter of compliance – it is a shared responsibility. And when it comes to gender-based violence, looking away should never be an option.
