1. Introduction

Summary of key points

• Sexual harassment and violence are significant safety and health risks.
• Gender-based violence affects women’s physical, sexual and reproductive health and can result in lost days from work, poor motivation and women leaving their jobs.
• Inadequate toilets, limits on use of toilets and toilet breaks can have health consequences for women, especially pregnant women, such as increased risk of cystitis and other infections.
• Employers and managers have a key role to play in changing workplace behaviour and in addressing the health-related consequences of gender-based violence in the workplace, including raised level of HIV/AIDS infection.
• Addressing health-related issues can help to retain workers and promote a positive working environment, which is good for company productivity.