Is Silence Allowing Violence? The Hospitality Industry’s Role in Eradicating Violence Against Women

In the world of hospitality, where we strive to create safe, welcoming spaces, the grim reality is that violence against women and girls still pervades society—and, yes, sometimes even our industry. From frontline staff to senior executives, we witness countless stories of resilience, yet the issue remains deeply entrenched. The statistics are staggering: nearly one in three women globally experiences violence in her lifetime, with many cases going unreported due to fear of retaliation, stigma, or shame. On November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we have an opportunity to confront this reality head-on.

A Persistent Challenge, A Pressing Responsibility As an HR executive, I’ve often seen how the hospitality industry, with its diverse, people-focused workforce, becomes a microcosm of society's broader issues. We’re not exempt from incidents of harassment or abuse, whether they arise in the workplace or seep in from the outside. This calls for robust responses—not just awareness, but investment in prevention. As leaders, we need to ask ourselves, “How can we foster an environment where silence isn’t the response to violence?”

Creating psychologically safe spaces within the workplace is essential. Safety isn’t just about physical measures but includes ensuring every employee feels secure enough to speak up against harassment or abuse. As they say, “If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.” We must become the leaders who take initiative to remove violence from our industry by investing in resources, training, and safe reporting channels.

The Workplace: Where Culture Meets Accountability A workplace culture that doesn’t tolerate violence starts from the top. Leaders play an enormous role in setting the tone, from clear zero-tolerance policies to providing safe ways for individuals to report any harassment or abuse. The cost of silence? Not only does it endanger individuals, but it can also corrode the very essence of an organization’s culture. One lesson I’ve learned over the years is this: “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” No policy or training will matter unless the underlying culture supports it.

During my tenure in HR, I’ve seen how rigorous, ongoing training can transform a workforce. Educating employees on recognizing signs of violence, understanding bystander responsibilities, and fostering a supportive culture are vital. And it’s not just about the employees—it’s about the managers and leaders who must model these behaviors, creating a cascade of support that makes silence around violence simply unacceptable.

Invest to Prevent According to UN Women, only 5% of government aid is directed toward combating violence against women and girls, with a minuscule 0.2% dedicated to prevention. Imagine if we in the private sector could help bridge this gap by allocating even a fraction of our budgets to preventive measures, such as partnering with local organizations, providing survivor support services, or hosting awareness workshops. In my experience, investing in prevention is not only ethical but also practical. An empowered, supported workforce is more engaged and more productive, creating a positive ripple effect throughout the organization.

Calling All Leaders: Stand Up for Change It’s time to take a stance and lead by example. UN Women’s UNiTE campaign calls for 16 days of activism, starting on November 25th, to end violence against women and girls. Let’s use this time to assess what we can do in our own companies, big or small. From creating safe reporting channels to engaging in partnerships and awareness programs, each step makes a difference.

As leaders, we must ask ourselves: Are we creating workplaces where everyone can thrive without fear? This year’s campaign theme, “Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women & Girls,” is a rallying cry for every industry to commit to change. Remember, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Together, we can push forward the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals and move closer to a world where violence against women and girls is no longer tolerated.

#NoExcuse #EndVAW #HospitalityCares #UNiTEToEndViolence #InvestToPrevent United Nations