IFC Launches Initiatives to Address Gender-Based Violence and Harassment in Workplaces

By Njeri Irungu

Nairobi, August 20, 2025 —

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has launched two major initiatives — the Gender-Based Violence Center of Expertise and the Respect@Work Program — aimed at tackling gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) in workplaces worldwide.

The initiatives, unveiled in Nairobi, seek to foster safer and more inclusive business environments, emphasizing that eliminating GBVH is critical for advancing gender equality, improving corporate performance, and unlocking economic opportunities for women and marginalized groups.

The Gender-Based Violence Center of Expertise will operate as a global hub, offering IFC clients and private sector actors toolkits, training, and advisory services to strengthen workplace prevention and response systems. It will also guide businesses in adopting policies that promote resilience, respect, and accountability across workforces and communities.

Meanwhile, the Respect@Work Program — introduced under IFC’s Kenya2Equal Initiative in partnership with the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) — will provide a peer-learning platform where companies can exchange experiences, apply international best practices such as the ILO Convention 190, and scale strategies that promote respectful workplaces.

“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. IFC is committed to partnering with the private sector, offering evidence-based solutions and sharing practical experiences to create work environments where every worker feels safe, valued, and empowered.

”Research shows that addressing GBVH not only improves the lives of survivors but also leads to higher employee retention, increased productivity, and stronger corporate reputations. Companies that actively combat workplace violence and harassment are better positioned to attract talent and drive innovation.

Harriet Chiggai, the President’s Advisor on Gender, welcomed IFC’s interventions and underscored the importance of collective responsibility in ending GBV, “We must stop GBV and align our cultural norms to realize the importance of human dignity in this country so GBV can be a thing of the past. Many of the cases that reach us are around GBV — and statistics show that most are indeed serious and legitimate cases of violence. The government has put in place laws and policies, but the question remains: as Kenyans, where are we going? What role will each of us play to ensure that these violations do not continue? The end game is clear — GBV must become a story of the past, but that will only happen if all of us take action.”

The IFC initiatives mark a significant step in bridging global expertise with local action, reinforcing Kenya’s ongoing efforts through legislation, the national GBV task force, and community-driven advocacy.