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Writes Zvikomborero Machinga
Gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of the most pressing social issues of our time, affecting individuals and communities across all sectors. Defined as harmful acts directed at individuals based on gender, GBV encompasses physical, mental, sexual, and economic harm. Globally, 1 in 3 women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, with crises further amplifying the risk for women and girls. However, the impact of GBV goes beyond personal suffering, affecting industries, economies, and societies at large.
One industry with both a high stake and significant influence in addressing GBV is the food industry. Employing millions of people globally, many of whom are women in vulnerable roles, this sector stands uniquely positioned to tackle GBV through prevention, advocacy, and support mechanisms.
Why GBV Matters in the Food Industry
The food industry’s connection to GBV extends from its workforce to the communities it serves. Workplace violence, harassment, and economic exploitation disproportionately affect women, who often occupy labor-intensive, low-paying roles in agriculture, food processing, and retail. Beyond the workplace, GBV destabilizes food systems by reducing agricultural productivity and undermining food security in affected communities.
According to the FAO, women are more likely than men to face food insecurity, making them doubly vulnerable as both producers and consumers. Survivors of GBV often face economic disempowerment, limiting their ability to access nutritious food for themselves and their families. At the community level, the disruption caused by GBV hampers social cohesion and long-term food stability.
The repercussions for businesses are equally stark. Companies that fail to address GBV in their workplaces and supply chains risk higher absenteeism, reduced productivity, tarnished reputations, and loss of skilled labor. Conversely, taking a proactive stance can lead to stronger, more resilient operations and an enhanced reputation as a socially responsible enterprise.
Practical Steps for the Food Industry
Addressing GBV is not merely an ethical imperative; it is a strategic business decision. Here are actionable ways the food industry can lead the fight against GBV:
- Promote Safe and Inclusive Workplaces
Creating a safe and inclusive work environment is the cornerstone of GBV prevention. Companies must implement comprehensive policies such as zero-tolerance for harassment, gender equality mandates, and anti-discrimination guidelines. These policies should be communicated clearly to all employees and supported by transparent enforcement mechanisms.
Leadership accountability is crucial. Companies must establish anonymous reporting channels, designate GBV officers, and provide access to employee assistance programs. For workers in agriculture and processing plants, measures such as well-lit workspaces, secure transportation, and regular workplace safety audits can significantly mitigate risks.
The Government of Zimbabwe has also developed the Zimbabwe National Strategy to Prevent and Address GBV (2023–2030), which provides a comprehensive framework to tackle GBV at various levels. This strategy emphasizes prevention, survivor support, and accountability mechanisms, creating a blueprint that industries can integrate into their policies.
- Employee Training and Awareness
Regular training programs help employees recognize and address GBV. Awareness sessions should educate workers on identifying signs of violence, while workshops on workplace ethics foster a culture of mutual respect. Management-level training ensures accountability from the top down, reinforcing the importance of leadership in driving cultural change.
- Advocacy and Community Engagement
The food industry’s influence extends beyond its walls. By partnering with NGOs, governments, and international organizations, companies can amplify GBV prevention efforts. Public campaigns and community engagement initiatives, such as workshops and survivor reintegration programs, demonstrate commitment and create lasting impact.
One example is Unilever’s partnership with UN Women, which has launched large-scale initiatives addressing violence against women in rural and urban supply chains. Similar collaborations can serve as a model for others in the industry.
- Support Women and Vulnerable Groups
Economic vulnerability is a significant driver of GBV. Ensuring fair wages, equitable opportunities, and access to leadership positions for women reduces dependency on abusive relationships. Empowerment programs targeting female farmers have shown success in increasing household income and reducing GBV risks, particularly in regions like sub-Saharan Africa.
Incorporating GBV considerations into supplier audits—as seen in ethical trade frameworks like Sedex’s Smeta—ensures that suppliers adhere to high human rights standards. Empowering female farmers through training in leadership, financial literacy, and advocacy further addresses systemic inequalities.
For Zimbabwe’s horticultural industry, compliance with European market requirements—such as GlobalGAP or BRCGS certifications—often necessitates adherence to social standards like SMETA or GRASP. These standards include elements of gender equity and GBV prevention, effectively compelling farms to adopt robust compliance mechanisms.
Additionally, certifications like FairTrade and FairWild play a vital role in promoting social justice and environmental sustainability. FairTrade-certified products, for instance, ensure equitable wages, gender equity, and safe working conditions for farmers and workers. Products with these certifications also fetch higher market prices, benefiting both producers and communities. Similarly, FairWild certification supports sustainable harvesting of wild plants while safeguarding the rights of local collectors, many of whom are women vulnerable to GBV.
- Utilize Marketing and Media Platforms
Food brands have a unique opportunity to raise awareness about GBV through their marketing efforts. Companies can integrate advocacy messages into product packaging, advertisements, and social media campaigns. During the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV, companies like Nestlé and Coca-Cola ran impactful campaigns promoting gender equity and respect. Such initiatives should not be confined to activism periods but sustained year-round.
- Advocate for Policy Change
The food industry can champion legislative reforms to strengthen protections for vulnerable workers. Supporting gender-sensitive labor laws and integrating GBV prevention into global sustainability standards, such as those of the Rainforest Alliance, sets a precedent for other sectors. Advocacy efforts should also include lobbying for stricter enforcement of existing regulations.
Why This Matters Year-Round
While the 16 Days of Activism shine a spotlight on GBV, addressing this issue requires sustained attention. The food industry’s involvement is pivotal not only because of its scale but also due to its direct impact on global development goals. Tackling GBV aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), making it a critical component of broader sustainability efforts.
Conclusion: A Collective Responsibility
The food industry’s role in combating GBV goes beyond compliance; it is about creating lasting change. By promoting safe workplaces, empowering women, and leveraging its influence for advocacy, the industry can set a powerful example for others to follow. Beyond the moral imperative, these efforts enhance worker well-being, improve productivity, and build resilient supply chains.
As we look toward a more equitable future, the food industry has an opportunity to lead—not just in what we eat but in how we live and work. Tackling GBV is not just good business; it is essential for a just and sustainable world.
