At the opening of the World Health Assembly on 21st May, International Gender Champion Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, announced the organization's zero tolerance policy on harassment:
Let me be clear. WHO has zero tolerance for sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, and abuse. That applies everywhere, from headquarters to the smallest country office. I repeat, zero tolerance.
Dr. Tedros spoke at the opening of the World Health Assembly on 21st May 2018 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.
Watch the video of his opneing speech here:
International Geneva is a symbol of dialogue, peace, and human rights. We need to create a change in the mindsets, change the culture and create a safe environment for all free of stigma, sexism and violence. This starts with each of us, in our workplaces, in our homes, in our communities. Because unless we tackle sexual harassment and abuse, the best policies and initiatives aimed to achieve gender equality will not deliver the progress we require – there will be a limiting behavioural force holding people back.
As leaders, we can set the tone in our organizations and we can take a stand to eliminate it in our workplaces. Let’s lead by making time’s up for harassment a reality.
Sexism is toxic and only slows down progress.
Michael Møller, Director-General of UN Geneva, welcomed the movement for harassment free assemblies, announcing the launch of the UN's Say No to Sexism campaign. As Director-General Møller said, "We have to walk the talk, and we still have a lot of walking to do."
