Day 60/100
EXXARO partnered with NSPGBVF Pillar 5 to respond to the 100-Day Challenge call to increase womxn’s economic power. They expressed their excitement about playing their role in ensuring that all workspaces in their operations are free from GBV and sexual harassment. The R3.5 million in donations they’ve made to the President’s GBVF Response Fund is testament to their commitment to the cause. They have undertaken to educate their employees on the company policies, statistics, and support and care systems available to them. Their goal, at the end of the 100 days, is to have 10,000 pledges from all employees to put an end to GBV and sexual harassment.
The team has been running a Black Friday campaign to raise awareness and has also conducted a survey to unpack employees’ understanding of the barriers that exist when it comes to reporting sexual harassment cases and GBV to gain insight as to whether the current systems are fit for purpose and making a difference. They have distributed safety kits that include a police whistle, pepper spray, as well as self-defence tools that womxn can use in case of an emergency. They plan to continue building on their awareness and education campaigns and to continue to equip the womxn who work at Exxaro with self-defence techniques.
The team also plans to engage other businesses for support. They are planning to break the silence of men by hosting an event where men get together and really engage on the issues they’re facing and find solutions for them. The two top obstacles the team has faced have been finding a work-life balance with the added commitment of the 100-Day Challenge initiative and the usual supply chain process delays with the execution of some of the initiatives.
Sibs Mthembu, Office of the President, was excited that it can be done that a company like Exxaro has taken an initiative to make sure that that things are moving within their space when it comes to the eradication of workplace sexual harassment. Their company is familiar with the C190 code of conduct and they are addressing their staff members to make sure that they understand what is reflected in the code.
For questions or to arrange an interview with any of the team leaders, please contact Candice Ludick on [email protected] or 060 715 3607.