#istandforrespectpledge
Scaffad reveals why they’ve committed to ending sexual harassment, outlines changes to come in their organisation
Rachel Bohr of Scaffad, a signage and design powerhouse in Australia, has given a revealing insight into why they've signed the #IStandForRespect pledge - an anti-sexual harassment movement that is coordinated by Diversity Council Australia and asks businesses to stand against gendered harassment and violence in all its forms, as weil as take action to address harassment, making the workplace safe for everyone.
To date, the movement has been signed by an ever-increasing list of leaders from banks, professional services firms, resources companies, multinationals, universities, legal firms, and not for profits.
But Rachel went further and touched on her personal and professional reasons for committing to a zerotolerance sexual harassment policy.
"There is no room for harassment in any setting from anyone, of any gender. lt's important for us as business to live up to the standards of the kind, caring and compassionate men and warnen who we work with, and highlight the basic fact that respect in every form is the bare minimum."
Rachel's comments come as the national conversation about the treatment of warnen - sparked by the recent Parliamentary culture controversies in Canberra - continues on, and recommendations by the Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins have garnered a verbal commitment from the Federal government to honour her suggestions "in full, in part or in principle."
Lisa Annese, CEO of Diversity Council Australia (DCA), who coordinate the #IStandForRespect initiative, said organisations like Scaffad signing the pledge was a chance for Australian business leaders to show the world they stand up for respect, and make a public commitment to end the scourge of sexual harassment. Which, in addition to creating dysfunctional and unsafe workplaces, is conservatively estimated to cost the Australian economy $3.8 billion.
"The bottom line is this: businesses can't afford not to tackle sexual harassment. The #IStandForRespect pledge is a starting point, a way for them to be part of the change that will come."
Rachel echoed Lisa's sentiments, saying that "Every person has a fundamental right to feel safe at work; physically, intellectually, and emotionally". And, that she was "proud their management had signed the pledge."
CEOs who signed the pledge can be found here: https://www.dca.org.au/campaigns/istandforrespect/pledges
About DCA
Diversity Council Australia is the independent not-for-profit peak body leading diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We provide unique research, inspiring events and programs, curated resources and expert advice across all diversity dimensions to a community of over 700 member organisations. Our member organisations are estimated to employ nearly two million Australians, representing up to 15% of the workforce.