Taking a firm stance against gender-based violence

In the wake of the recent cases of gender-based violence in South Africa, many citizens have expressed their deep concern for the lack of respect and protection for women and children. The movement has swept country-wide with people initiating marches and calling for change on social media.

Berry Astrapak’s firm position on this sensitive topic is one of zero tolerance regarding abuse. While not tolerating discrimination of any kind, the company rather seeks to ensure that habits and the company culture help establish an environment in which every individual feels safe, therefore striving for these habits to permeate beyond factory walls – the hope is that this reality spills out into their homes as well.

It is well recognised that workplace violence includes any act of violence directed towards a person on duty and can range from threatening language to physical abuse. Berry Astrapak aims to educate its employees about the possible forms of violence in the workplace as well as their consequences.

To support their unwavering stance, the Consupaq site’s General Manager, Deon Thysse, and Regional HR Manager, Khethiwe Bhengu, held a meeting on 6 September to inform their employees about the importance of workplace safety. Instead of reacting to these outside events in a fear-filled manner, the managers rose to the occasion, seeing the meeting as a constructive way to educate their employees. This gathering was an opportunity to assure employees that any violent acts threatened or perpetrated by co-workers, supervisors, customers and clients will not be tolerated at Berry Astrapak.

Female employees were especially encouraged to speak out against gender-based violence and report any incidents of abuse. An emphasis was placed on reporting acts of violence through various channels such as immediate supervisors, the anonymous tip-off hotline or site committees such as the Employment Equity Forum.

Candice Mitchell, a Supply Chain Manager at Consupaq, addressed employees and encouraged them to extend an arm of support and to connect more with one another. This will ensure an environment of accountability and will help co-workers to quickly identify any abnormal changes to the colleagues closest to them.

While there is an increasing prevalence of gender-based violence in society, there is no reason to allow these outside incidents to permeate Berry Astrapak’s company culture, festering among the teams and causing fear. Instead, the company and its people embrace a culture of voicing concerns and standing up for women and children in an effort to directly combat gender-based violence.