The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has unveiled two initiatives to help businesses tackle gender-based violence and harassment at work.
The new Gender-Based Violence Center of Expertise will act as a knowledge hub, offering toolkits, training, and advisory services to companies seeking to strengthen workplace policies and responses.
IFC says the center will support employers to create safer spaces for staff while promoting accountability and respect.
Alongside this, the Respect Work Program has been introduced under IFC’s Kenya2Equal partnership with the Federation of Kenya Employers.
The program will provide a peer-learning platform where companies can share experiences, study real-life cases, and draw on global best practices such as the ILO Convention 190.
IFC argues that addressing harassment goes beyond protecting workers it also makes business sense. Research shows companies that act against gender-based violence enjoy better staff retention, higher productivity, and stronger reputations.
“Gender-based violence and harassment is not just a personal issue, it is a workplace issue, and one that demands urgent and collective action,” said Gillian Rogers, IFC’s Principal Country Officer in Kenya. “The evidence is clear: workplaces free from violence and harassment are more productive, innovative, and inclusive.”
The two programs are part of IFC’s wider push to work with the private sector in creating work environments where employees feel safe and respected.
