WISA

WISA takes public stand against workplace bigotry

The Water Research Council (WRC), SA Watermark and WISA are among the signatories of the plumbing industry’s ‘Not in our industry, not in our workplace’ pledge against gender-based violence and harassment against women. By Dr Lester Goldman, CEO, WISA

We are encouraging all our members to make a conscious effort to fight all forms of bigotry as part of WISA’s drive to increase professionalism in the water industry. It is not enough to identify that bigotry is a problem – we all need to take active steps to fight against it.

With regard to sexism and sexual harassment: it is not for women to take up this fight, it is for men, as some of us are part of the problem. Simple questions need to be asked. Are there an equal number of toilets for both men and women both in the office space and construction sites? Does the PPE that is ordered fit women? Are there prowomen policies in place?

Let’s identify champions of change and celebrate the people who are taking active measures to fight all types of bigotry in the industry. I salute the plumbing industry for creating this pledge and WISA will be working with our empowerment platform – Women in Water – to discuss these issues and host a webinar. We encourage people in our sector to identify and effect necessary change in the water sector.

Dr Lester Goldman, CEO, WISA

The ‘Not in our industry, not in our workplace’ pledge against gender-based violence and harassment against women states the following: • To take a public stand against all forms of violence and harassment against women and to condemn all attitudes and actions that perpetuate sexism and violence. • To take up the issue as a priority in our organisation and to secure the necessary resources for activities aimed at preventing and combatting the violation of women’s rights. • To foster a culture of respect for women within our organisation by raising awareness of our staff, members and officials, and providing education on the importance of eradicating violence and harassment in the workplace and within our organisation. • To participate in campaigns aimed at preventing and combatting violence against women. • To demand that our government enacts and enforces laws to protect women. • To demand that employers develop concrete policies and proceedings to prevent violence against women in their premises and supply chains, and establish safe mechanisms for women to turn to if they are assaulted or attacked at work. • To include demands for the eradication of violence and harassment against women in our collective bargaining councils.