GBV Kenya

Safe Work Spaces

The East African Breweries Plc (EABL) has introduced new guidelines to support employees facing domestic and family abuse.

The guidelines will help create a safe space where employees facing domestic abuse can disclose and reach out for support.

Employees at EABL facing domestic abuse can be able to get up to 10 days per year, of paid leave, in addition to the usual 21 days of leave to deal with issues arising from such situations.

KBL managing director, John Musunga said the company considers the guidelines important because abuse has physical, psychological, and financial effects that have an impact on all aspects of those experiencing it.

“We want an environment at EABL that promotes safety and is flexible, respectful, and supportive of employees experiencing domestic and family abuse so that they feel comfortable to disclose it and seek help,” said Musunga.

EABL’s laudable move comes at a time when there are increased cases of domestic violence in the country in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic.

Over 40% of married women in Kenya have reported being victims of either domestic violence or sexual abuse according to the most recent statistics; The 2014 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey.

Survivors of gender-based violence often lack adequate support, due to the stigma that comes with the vice. For the ordinary worker informal employment, the workplace is the second place away from home where they spend most of their time and therefore having safe spaces in the workplace where victims of domestic violence can get adequate support will go a long way in not just improving their general well-being but in increasing their productivity as well.