Safe workplace initiative

About the Safe Workplace Initiative

Written by Administrator Thursday, 13 May 2010 00:00

What is the “Safe Workplace Initiative”?

Discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) people is widespread in workplaces throughout Mongolia.

The LGBT Centre believes that employers can take a leading role in helping to end this discrimination by promoting safe work environments in which intolerance, mistreatment and harassment of LGBT employees is not permitted.

The aim of Safe Workplace Initiative is to promote non-discrimination in the workplace through the development of a network of LGBT-friendly workplaces, and to recognise those organisations that foster such safe working environments.

The LGBT Centre is aiming to foster the development of an organisational culture that does not tolerate discrimination of any kind. And we are asking employers to become the leaders of this new generation - a generation who truly value human rights, diversity, and freedom for all; a generation that will not tolerate intolerance.

Why is there a need for a “Safe Workplace Initiative”?

“When I am at work, sometimes, in front of me, they say that homosexuals are sick ... They say such things even when they know my life.” - Lesbian, Ulaanbaatar

Most LGBT people in Mongolia have faced human rights violations and discrimination in the workplace when their sexuality and/or gender identity has become known to colleagues. Many have either been dismissed from their jobs or have been forced to quit because they were no longer able to tolerate the abuse.

“[My colleagues] were jeering at me, smirking at me, and the men just shunned me when I went to the toilet.” - Transgendered female, Ulaanbaatar

“The LGBT Centre has documented numerous instances of workplace discrimination, including bullying, harassment and physical violence. This discrimination is widespread and is not confined to any particular types of workplaces or work sectors. It is endemic everywhere. This makes it extremely difficult for LGBT people to enjoy their fundamental right to work.

It is time to end the discrimination.

What is required of employers?

The LGBT Centre is asking employers to take the lead in ending workplace discrimination against LGBT people. In asking employers join the Safe Workplace Initiative, we are asking them to guarantee that they will:

1. Practice non-discrimination in their hiring practices.
2. Promote the concept of non-discrimination among their workers.
3. Ensure discrimination against or abuse of LGBT people of any kind (both verbal and physical) is not tolerated in the workplace.
4. Ensure LGBT people are given equal opportunities for job advancement.
5. Take immediate action against any staff who engage in discriminatory behaviour.

The LGBT Centre will display the logo of the organisation on its “Special Workplace Initiative” web page (at www.lgbtcentre.mn) and will include positive messages from those employers that will inspire other organisations to walk the same path.