Resilience training for women

Tunisia’s Lead in Women’s Rights

Tunisia is known as one of the most progressive countries in the Arab world when it comes to women’s rights. For instance, gender equality was enshrined in the constitution in 2014, and the state is obliged to combat violence against women. This is outlined in Article 45 and ensures equal opportunities for both men and women,  source.

The fact that equal opportunities for men and women are enshrined in law does not necessarily mean that this translates into practice. At VH, we believe that everyone should be able to work safely—both physically and mentally. That is why we work diligently in our workshops to strengthen equality among our workers within our company culture. We do this to prevent unwanted situations.

Smart Risk Analysis: Prevention is Better than Cure

At VH, we take no risks when it comes to safety and equality in the workplace. Our risk analysis, based on literature, stakeholder interviews, and local insights, helps us act proactively. We look beyond the standard risks and map out how these may vary by gender or social group. That is why we have added an extra dimension to every Code of Labour Practice by the Fair Wear Foundation—from child labour to a living wage.

This way, we analyze whether certain groups are particularly vulnerable and take targeted measures. For example, consider the difference in risks when travelling home after work: what is safe for one employee may pose a great danger to another. By taking these nuances into account, we make our work environment safer and more inclusive for everyone.

Local Resilience Training: Standing Stronger in the Workplace

In collaboration with a psychologist with a feminist perspective, we set up a local training session in the VH workshop. Over the course of 4 sessions, we helped 15 women become more resilient at work. Each session addressed the question: “How can you identify, address, and resolve inappropriate behaviour?” We choose to work with local partners because they know the culture well and can effectively translate our message.

Session 1: Creating a safe and trusting environment where women can openly share their experiences.
Session 2: Practical role-playing scenarios where dangerous real-life situations are reenacted and discussed. Through dialogue, the participants learn to act more effectively.
Session 3: Leadership training, so that women can not only support themselves but also others.
Session 4: Reflection and future goals, ensuring that the knowledge gained has a long-term impact.

From Awareness to Action: Stronger Together in the Company

Thanks to the training sessions, our workers not only feel heard but also genuinely involved in the company. During the International Day Against Violence, they shared their insights with colleagues, thereby reinforcing awareness of this important issue throughout the organization.

But it doesn’t stop there. The impact of this project goes further: we are exploring new initiatives to train management as well and to promote positive communication within the company. Together, we are building a safe and supportive work environment.

“This project has helped our management engage workers even more in the company. It shows that they are important and belong here. Not only at work, but they now feel more resilient at home as well. The training motivated them to pass on this message to their colleagues. They support one another and work together with management to create a better work environment.” – Abdesallem, CSR Manager

If you would like to learn more about our approach or what VH can do for you, please do not hesitate to contact us!