Workshop (in english): Advancing Gender Equality and Preventing Gender-Based Violence in Workplaces and Supply Chains

 

 

Gender-based violence (GBV) threatens supply chains and undermines the business case for inclusion in the textile sector. GBV is simultaneously a:

• productivity issue, because violence and harassment drive absenteeism, turnover, stress and lost performance.
• risk management issue, because it can lead to legal exposure, reputational damage and disruption in operations and supply chains.
• a long-term value issue, because safe and inclusive workplaces help retain talent, strengthen resilience and support better business results over time.

This Sustainable Textiles Switzerland (STS), through Swiss Fair Trade, is organising an interactive workshop to explore the root causes and realities of gender-based violence and its implications for businesses. Despite years of awareness-raising efforts, GBV remains prevalent across sectors and geographies, affecting workers, productivity and supply chain stability. The workshop will examine GBV both as a human rights issue and a critical business risk and performance factor.

The workshop will highlight how companies of all sizes can integrate gender-responsive approaches into their operations and supply chains to foster safer, more inclusive and accountable work environments. Participants will:

• Learn about key concepts such as gender, gender-based violence, sexual harassment as a form of GBV, unconscious bias, as well as their impact on workplace dynamics and business performance
• Explore the business case for addressing GBV and gender inequality, including links to productivity, risk management and long-term value creation
• Identify effective measures companies can take to prevent GBV and support affected workers, including what affected people and survivors identify as helpful for recovery

 

Guest speakers:
The workshop includes a keynote presentation from Prof. Dr. Christa Binswanger, permanent lecturer on Gender & Diversity at University of St. Gallen (HSG). Sara Campidelli, Sustainability Manager of Odlo, will present how Odlo integrates gender consideration in its due diligence. Pierre Strub, Swiss representative at the business association amfori will present worker and women empowerment measures at manufacturer level. Anja Seiler, Human Rights Advisor at Swiss Fair Trade (SFT) will introduce the Dindigul agreement to ending GBV in the textile industry in Tamil Nadu.

 

Venue: Kulturpark, Pfingstweidstrasse 16, 8005 Zurich

Date & Time: Mon, 22nd June 2026, 9:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. (incl. coffee, gipfeli & standing lunch)

Member organisations of Sustainable Textiles Switzerland (STS), Swiss Fair Trade (SFT), amfori and interested companies are welcome to register and participate in this half-day, in-person workshop conducted in English.

 

Participation fee:

FREE – for members of Sustainable Textiles Switzerland (STS) and Swiss Fair Trade
30% off for members of Swiss Textiles and amfori.
CHF 240 for non-members.

Registration possible until 8th June 2026!