Principle 3: Senior leadership considers GBVH risk

Senior leadership considers the GBVH risk implications of all decisions to ensure workplaces are equal, respectful and free from GBVH. 

They consider the impact of business activities in their own operations and the supply chain.

Firm commitment from the top sends a clear message to everyone who works for or with the business that GBVH is taken seriously as a human rights and business risk.¹ Regardless of business size or supply chain position (producers, suppliers, buyers, contractors), owners and senior management are responsible for addressing GBVH by integrating it into risk management and decision making. Approaches may vary, but the goal remains the same: preventing GBVH and keeping workers safe.

3.1 Commit to creating safe and respectful workplaces. 

• Embed the commitment to prevent GBVH and work proactively with partners in a policy that clearly defines GBVH, sets expectations for all workers’ and partners’ conduct, outlines how GBVH will be prevented and addressed through related policies and procedures (see Principle 4).
• Articulate the business case for addressing GBVH alongside other risks, highlighting potential operational benefits such as increased productivity and reduced reputational risk.
• Communicate senior leadership’s commitment internally across all business levels and externally to partners. For example, commercial contracts can embed two-way expectations, defining responsibilities, and ensuring supplier accountability (see Principle 2.4 ).

3.2 Apply a gender – human rights lens to decision making.

• Assess how business decisions affect the risk of GBVH and the ability to respect workers’ rights and provide safe working conditions in own operations and the supply chain.  For example, consider how mechanisation may reduce jobs and increase the risk of GBVH in exchange for work, or how incentives and management Key Performance Indicators affect behaviour.
• Engage regularly and meaningfully with internal teams, workers and their representatives/trade unions and relevant external stakeholders² (e.g. NGOs, community leaders, women’s rights organisations, gender experts) to understand the impact of business activities. See Principle 10 regarding monitoring and communicating progress in due diligence efforts to address GBVH.

3.3 Allocate sufficient budget and resources to address GBVH. 

• Budget for the cost of due diligence efforts including prevention and remediation, training for individuals responsible and/or hiring additional internal or external expertise, such as that of gender experts.
• Include these costs in the core business operating budget and/or product and service pricing.