Sarah’s story revealed the extent of the suffering that many women experience in the workplace, which goes beyond hurtful words to affect their mental health and productivity. Expert interventions confirmed that verbal violence against women in the workplace is not an isolated phenomenon, but rather the result of the overlap of multiple factors, including:
- Cultural differences: Social expectations and inherited gender roles contribute to creating an environment that allows for bias and discrimination against women.
- Hierarchy at work: The presence of clear authority may encourage its negative exploitation, especially against women.
- Psychological factors: Personality and behavioral patterns play a major role in increasing the likelihood of resorting to verbal violence. Devastating impact on the individual and the institution
Studies presented by the workshop indicated that verbal violence has severe negative effects on victims, as it leads to frustration, depression, and low self-confidence, which in turn is reflected in their job performance. At the institutional level, verbal violence leads to a deterioration in the work environment, increased absenteeism and frustration, and decreased productivity.
Then, the lecturer Dr. Hoda Saad Azawi discussed in her proposal to overcome this problem through a set of practical solutions, including: - Specialized training programs: to provide employees with effective communication skills and resolve conflicts in peaceful ways.
- Safe complaint mechanisms: to enable victims to report cases of violence without fear of retaliation.
- Psychological and legal support for victims: to provide the necessary support to victims and rehabilitate them to return to their normal lives.
- Building a culture of mutual respect: by raising awareness of all members of the institution about the importance of equality and mutual respect
In a statement in this regard, the Dean of the Institute, Professor Dr. Haider Al-Abdeli, Dean of the Najaf Technical Institute, stressed the importance of concerted efforts to combat verbal violence against women in the work environment, calling for the activation of relevant laws and the provision of a safe and respectful work environment for all. He also stressed the need to change the societal view of women and empower them with their full rights.
In conclusion, this workshop is an important step towards building a society free of violence, where everyone enjoys their full rights and lives in a healthy and productive work environment.