WBG employees, survivors of Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault within the institution, are holding a 16 Day Hunger Strike against workplace GBV, calling for Safe Working Conditions. 

The Hunger Strike has been taking place from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, through December 10, the International Day for Human Rights. 

At the same time, the WB is promoting a 16 days of activism campaign against GBV, highlighting programs and projects. The same support should exist within the institution for its workforce, with real actions and holistic solutions, and in alignment with our values and our mission.

There is no need for more Task Forces, Working Groups or Town Halls on Sexual Harassment, it is time for concrete actions that address not only sexual harassment, but sexual assault, with clear consequences on perpetrators.

Every employee of the World Bank should have the right to work in a safe environment and without fear of retaliation - yet, both the ongoing Hunger Strike as well as the recent article from the WSJ showcase the opposite.

This is a moral and policy failure. It constitutes an abuse of power, not only of these perpetrators, but of the political fabric within the institution that enables, condones, and normalizes their behavior.

It’s time to empower survivors of workplace GBV at the Bank and not perpetrators. It’s time for real Justice.

Silence won’t stop Violence.

Please visit our GBV Survivor's Petitions and Take Action sections