On 28 January 2025, Diesis Network, in cooperation with the Teamwork2 Project Consortium, organised an EU-Level Roundtable discussion "Empowering Safe Spaces: Roundtable on Workplace Harassment and Gender Equality" at EVBB in Brussels. The event brought together key stakeholders to explore solutions for workplace sexual harassment and gender inequality.  

Three expert panels addressed key issues:  

• Panel 1, moderated by Demetra Panaretou (Paphos Chamber of Commerce and Industry), explored structural and policy barriers to gender equality and safe workplaces featuring insights from Aline Brüser (European Trade Union Confederation), Evelien Meylemans, and Ellen De Pauw (Institute for the Equality of Women and Men).  
• Panel 2, moderated by Alessia Sebillo (Diesis Network), showcased best practices for addressing workplace harassment with contributions from Astrid Nordberg (SGI Europe), Manon Bouisset (Pour la Solidarité / CEASE Network), and Isabella Lenarduzzi (JUMP Solutions for Equity at Work).  
• Panel 3, moderated by Kiki Kallis (CARDET), highlighted the role of education and lifelong learning in addressing workplace harassment and gender inequality. Speakers included Aloizia Moschovakou and Nikos Moraitis (IVEPE-SEV), Alessia Sebillo (Diesis Network), Alfred Pallarca (EVBB), and, in absentia, Veronica Arduino (Life-Long Learning Platform).

Key Findings 

Discussions highlighted the widespread nature of workplace harassment, from physical and economic abuse to cyber violence and microaggressions. A cultural shift was identified as the primary action required to challenge ingrained biases. Moreover, education and awareness-raising programmes were emphasised as critical in preventing workplace harassment and promoting gender equality. Finally, the role of employers in ensuring safe workplaces was also stressed, along with the importance of social dialogue between employers and employees to develop effective solutions.

Challenges and Recommendations  

Despite progress, challenges persist, including employer reluctance, weak policy enforcement, fear of retaliation among victims, and rising cyber harassment. The event underscored the need for:  

• Comprehensive legislation covering all forms of harassment, including cyber violence.  
• Education and training at all levels to foster respect and awareness.  
• Effective implementation of policies with clearly defined tools and inclusive procedures.  
• Integration of technology-facilitated violence into preventive workplace policies.  
• Adoption of the EU Life Competence Framework (LifeComp) in all training.  
• Improved data collection to inform research and evidence-based policymaking.  

The Roundtable discussion highlighted the complexities of tackling workplace sexual harassment and gender inequality. It also provided concrete steps and best practices to promote safer and more equitable working environments for all.

For more details, visit the Teamwork2 Project website or watch the explanation video.