Workplace Responses to Family and Sexual Violence in PNG: Measuring the Business Case
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) in collaboration with the Business Coalition for Women (BCFW) recently released an evaluation report on the benefits to business on the Bel isi PNG initiative on the 29th of July 2021. The research was funded by the Australian Government and is the baseline for this work in Papua New Guinea. The report, Workplace responses to Family and Sexual Violence in PNG: Measuring the Business Case can be found at the following IFC link.
The survey was conducted in 2020 with three Bel isi PNG subscribers to measure the cost effectiveness of having a workplace response to family and sexual violence, along with having access to the Bel isi PNG Case Management and Safe House services offered under the subscription.
The research has some important findings for Bel isi PNG subscribers and other organisations in Papua New Guinea. Notably, the research found a correlation between the gender balance of the workforce, the level of support that companies provide to respond to family and sexual violence, and positive outcomes. This includes less acceptance of family and sexual violence, higher reporting of family and sexual violence, fewer days lost to the impacts of family and sexual violence, and more helpful responses.
Over 1,400 participants from the three companies took part in the survey.
The following excerpt (taken directly from the report, page 47) provides important insights to the challenges facing women in the workforce and to companies which want to address FSV and to support their employees who are dealing with violence in their lives.
“Just over 40 percent of people who participated in the survey for this research have directly experienced family and sexual violence. Although more women than men have experienced it, the problem affects all genders and at all levels of seniority within the participating companies. Most participants with no direct experience of violence have family or friends affected by it. A workplace response to family and sexual violence which could incorporate Bel isi PNG is much needed”. (pg. 47)
Nearly half of all participants (47 percent) said their work is affected because of family and sexual violence. The survey and interviews were carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic and indicate that the stresses caused by the crisis may have worsened family and sexual violence.
At least 16 percent of survey participants affected by family and sexual violence said they sometimes feel unsafe at work.
Over the next 18 months the IFC and BCFW will be undertaking further work to help evaluate the impact of Bel isi PNG and the benefits to businesses of supporting such initiatives.
The survey showed what these companies are doing well and highlight what could be strengthened.
We acknowledge the commitment of all subscribers in having a workplace response to family and sexual violence through your subscription to Bel isi PNG.