On September 11, the Capacity Project presented results from a workplace violence study of health workers in Rwanda at a national dissemination meeting.

Among respondents from 45 facilities across 15 districts, 39% reported experiencing at least one form of violence (including bullying, verbal abuse, sexual harassment and physical assault) in the last year. The study also found that health workers are both victims and perpetrators of abuse, and that female health workers face negative stereotypes and discrimination in hiring and promotion due to pregnancy and family responsibilities.

In partnership with the ministries of labor, health and gender and the Health Workers Union, the Capacity Project will use these findings to create workplace policies to protect workers from interpersonal violence and gender discrimination, and advocate for the ratification of international labor codes related to maternity and family responsibilities.

October 2008