"Violence against Women: What Are the Reactions of Turkish Businesses?"

Sabancı University Corporate Governance Forum Director Dr. Melsa Ararat spoke at the "Roundtable Meeting on Supporting and Sustaining Women's Participation in Reputable Jobs in Turkey" held by the French Development Agency.

On Tuesday, March 15, 2016, Melsa Ararat delivered a presentation on "Violence against Women and Workplaces" in the panel discussion titled "Violence against Women: What Are the Reactions of Turkish Businesses?" at the Palais de France. The moderator of the session on gender equality in the workplace, workplace harassment, domestic violence and the role of businesses was Zeynep Jale KANDUR, External Relations Manager of the Human Development and Social Education Foundation (İGETEV). Feyza Altun Meriç, attorney-at-law, was also a panelist.

Melsa Ararat discussed the results of the Impact of Domestic Violence on White-Collar Workers and Businesses Survey and explained the content of the Business Against Domestic Violence Policy Development and Implementation Guide, saying "By providing organizational support to the sufferers of domestic violence, creating an organizational culture that is intolerant of violence, and making this culture a part of official company policies, businesses may help to change gender perceptions. The main benefit of these policies will be higher effectiveness, a more peaceful working environment, less downtime and fewer accidents. Policies include measures that prevent the workplace from becoming a target of violence as well. The guide was prepared to help businesses on this matter." The guide containing policy examples was prepared with the support of the UN Population Fund and the participation of TÜSİAD member companies. Sections of the guide include:

•    Steps for creating company policies
•    Expanding external communication and interaction networks
•    Organizations to consult regarding domestic violence
•    Project steps and checklist
•    Example policy
•    Platforms
•    Best business practices in domestic violence
•    Social responsibility projects directed at domestic violence
•    Legal framework

The roundtable focused on two priority areas of ensuring women's participation in and sustainability of reputable jobs and outlined possible roles, opportunities, and the strategic participation of the French Development Agency in Turkey.

Secondary objectives of the roundtable meetings were:

•    Identifying critical obstacles that prevent women's participation in reputable jobs and ensuring the sustainability of their participation, and determining priorities that will contribute further to women's presence in high-quality employment;
•    Emphasizing learnings and best practices regarding women's participation in reputable jobs and ensuring the sustainability of their participation;
•    Discover and define the measures and approaches required for women's participation in reputable jobs and ensuring the sustainability of their participation