NGO "Social Initiatives for Occupational Safety and Health" in a joint project with — USAID Energy Security Project (ESP) — develop a Gender Code of Conduct in the Energy Sector and a practical Guide for trade union leaders “How to Apply the Gender Code in Practice”. Within the framework of the project, the NGO “Social Initiatives for Occupational Safety and Health”, with the support of partners, will conduct relevant training and an information campaign on the empowerment and leadership of women in production, as well as on gender aspects of labor rights of women and men in the energy sector.
Goal
Increase the capacity of energy sector trade unions to promote gender-sensitive policies and favorable working conditions at energy enterprises in Ukraine.
Project implementation period
November 2020 – February 2022
Target groups
trade union leaders and members of labor collectives in the energy sector collectives
Grant activities
1. Development and presentation Code of Conduct on Gender-Sensitive Policies in the Energy Sector (Gender Code). The Gender Code aims to implement a gender-sensitive approach on the ground, focusing on equal rights, non-discrimination, pay and benefits, working hours, zero tolerance for harassment and abuse, labour relations, and a management system in line with international and national best practices. The Gender Code will be piloted among union members. Their feedback and recommendations will be taken into account; the final version of the Gender Code will be presented to union leaders and employers in the energy sector.
The code was developed and tested national experts on gender issues in cooperation with colleagues from leading industry trade unions - "Ukrnaftogasprofspilka" and "Atomprofspilka", with the text of the document can be found at this link.
2. Development A guide for trade union leaders on mechanisms for implementing the Gender Code. Trade union leaders will be involved in the development, discussion and piloting of the Guide. The Guide will be presented to trade union leaders and employers in the energy sector.
3. Support for existing gender committees. Providing technical assistance, developing work plans, supporting the development of documents for the promotion of gender issues and the protection of women workers' rights. The project will facilitate the exchange of experience between trade unions and training taking into account the best international and Ukrainian practices.
4. Conduct information campaign on women's empowerment and protection of their health rights in the energy sector, including:
- developing and implementing a communication strategy for partner unions to empower women and support their right to safe work and health, including advice on COVID-19 prevention;
- publishing articles on social media, websites and specialized media;
- distribution of information materials about gender in energy companies.
Project partners
Trade Union of Workers of Nuclear Energy and Industry of Ukraine, Trade Union of Workers of Oil and Gas Industry of Ukraine, selected enterprises of the energy sector.
Results of the Ge4U project
Reference
The USAID Energy Security Project (ESP) works with the Government of Ukraine, the private and public sectors to strengthen Ukraine's energy security and transform the country's energy sector into a modern, market-oriented, and EU-integrated engine of growth.
USAID PEB works to strengthen Ukraine's energy security through parallel investments in the electricity, gas, district heating, and renewable energy sectors.
Energy security is crucial for Ukraine's independence and national sovereignty. True energy security requires that quality energy services be accessible, uninterrupted, reliable, and safe for all Ukrainians.
You can learn more about PEB on the Project website: https://energysecurityua.org/ua/