Training on Anti-Harassment Committee and Attendance at Meetings as External Members as per the High Court Verdict

Project Name: Training on Anti-Harassment Committee and Attendance at Meetings as External Members as per the High Court Verdict

Project Duration: From 2021 (Ongoing Project)

Funding Organization: RMG Factories

Development Organization: Phulki

Project Goal:

The goal of the project is to build the capacity of Anti-Harassment Committees (AHCs) in RMG factories according to the guidelines outlined by the High Court.

Project Purpose:

This training program assists RMG factories in establishing effective Anti-Harassment Committees (AHCs). Once operational, these committees will address and prevent workplace harassment, creating a more stable workforce by resolving factory-level disputes early and effectively.

Project Output:

Improved Working Conditions: Increased awareness of labor standards and the establishment of functioning grievance systems through the formation and reform of Anti-Harassment Committees, following High Court guidelines.

Violence and Harassment-Free Workplace: The program raises awareness about workplace rights, particularly for women, and addresses gender-based violence by establishing and strengthening AHCs as mandated by the High Court verdict.

Independent AHC Meetings: Factory management will be equipped to conduct bi-monthly AHC meetings independently, ensuring sustainable governance.

Project Working Areas:

• Savar

• Gazipur

• Narayanganj

• Ashulia

• Baro Rangamatia

• BKSP

• Kolma

• Sreepur

• Tongi

• Kasimpur

• Gazipur Sadar

• Kona Bari

• Rajnagor

• Godnail

• Kachnpur

• Madanpur

Beneficiaries / Stakeholders:

RMG factory workers (particularly women)

Factory management

Short Description:

Phulki’s Workplace Education Program (WEP) aims to improve working conditions by raising awareness of labor standards and establishing effective grievance systems. The program educates workers—especially women—on their workplace rights and combats gender-based violence by establishing and strengthening Anti-Harassment Committees (AHCs), in alignment with the High Court Verdict.

Phulki visits each participating factory three times and conducts the following activities:

• Introduction Meeting

• Main Training Sessions for committee members and mid-level management

• Formation of AHCs (if needed)

• Attendance at AHC Follow-Up Meetings

• The training sessions focus on building internal grievance systems to prevent violence and harassment against women and introduce effective complaint mechanisms. The program also encourages management and workers to recognize and implement key components of a safe and productive workplace.

Major Activities & Achievements:

Formation of AHCs: Successfully established an AHC in one factory and reorganized AHCs in five factories.

Training Sessions: Provided training for management, floor staff, and workers on gender-based violence and harassment in the workplace.

Capacity-Building for AHC Members: Delivered training for AHC members and floor staff on how to effectively run AHCs.

Sustaining AHC Operations: Successfully conducted bi-monthly AHC meetings with factory management, in line with the High Court’s requirements.

Positive Outcomes:

• Enhanced Dialogue Between Management and Workers:
• The project has fostered open communication between management and workers, creating a more transparent and cooperative environment.

• Increased Comfort for Workers to Share Issues:
• Workers now feel more confident in sharing their concerns with management, leading to quicker resolutions and effective actions against undesirable situations in the workplace.

• Active Involvement of Management:
• Management has become more actively engaged in both meetings and training sessions, demonstrating a stronger commitment to addressing workplace issues and creating a more inclusive, respectful environment for all.