Protection from Harassment and Gender-Based Violence Policy

Women Who Won the War is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and harassment- and gender-based violence-free working and participation environment, whether at the workplace, during in-person activities, or online and across the organization’s communication platforms. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward all forms of harassment, violence, abusive behavior, or exploitation.

I. Definition of Harassment

Harassment refers to any unwelcome behavior—verbal, physical, visual, or electronic—that is perceived as degrading, threatening, or inappropriate and is related to sex, gender, appearance, cultural background, or power within a relationship. Examples include:

  • Sexual, suggestive, or degrading comments
  • Threats or blackmail involving a position of power or influence
  • Unwanted physical contact
  • Persistent staring or unwanted pursuit
  • Sending sexually explicit or suggestive images or messages
  • Using sexually suggestive or degrading jokes, gestures, or remarks

Harassment can occur between people of any gender or professional position and may be perpetrated by colleagues, managers, partners, trainers, program participants, beneficiaries, or any other person connected to the organization’s activities.

II. Online Harassment

Online harassment refers to the use of digital media or the internet to threaten, insult, intimidate, or cause psychological harm. Examples include:

  • Sending messages containing sexual, threatening, or inappropriate content
  • Digitally tracking or monitoring a person without their consent
  • Sharing sensitive images or content without permission
  • Using fake accounts to send threatening or harassing messages or to defame an individual

III. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all individuals associated with the organization, including:

  • Permanent and temporary employees
  • Volunteers
  • Participants in programs or activities, whether in person or online
  • Partners, contractors, donors, and visitors when interacting with or representing the organization

IV. Reporting and Response Mechanisms

The organization encourages the reporting of any incident of harassment or inappropriate conduct and guarantees protection against retaliation for individuals who make reports or complaints.

Reporting Channels

Reports may be submitted through:

  • Email
  • A written or verbal complaint submitted directly to the Editor-in-Chief
  • Where a complaint concerns management, it may be submitted directly to the Board of Directors

Response Procedures

Women Who Won the War is committed to conducting fair and impartial investigations that respect the rights of all parties and ensure that no conclusions are reached prematurely. All complaints are handled confidentially, subject to legal obligations or safeguarding requirements that may necessitate limited disclosure of information to relevant authorities where necessary.

Complaint-handling procedures include:

  • Recording the complaint and acknowledging receipt
  • Conducting an initial assessment to determine the level of risk, with the possibility of taking interim measures during the investigation, such as changing responsibilities or restricting communication, to ensure the safety of those involved
  • Appointing an impartial individual or committee to conduct the investigation, while avoiding any conflicts of interest
  • Conducting interviews and gathering evidence
  • Providing all relevant parties with an opportunity to respond
  • Issuing a reasoned written decision within no more than 30 days, unless the circumstances reasonably require additional time
  • Disciplinary measures may include a formal warning, temporary suspension, termination of employment or contractual relationship, and referral to judicial authorities where appropriate
  • Providing appropriate support to complainants, including psychological support or referral to specialized services when necessary, while taking their safety and needs into consideration

V. Prevention and Awareness

Women Who Won the War is committed to:

  • Organizing regular and mandatory in-person and online workshops and training on harassment, gender, and online harassment
  • Fostering an open dialogue environment in which individuals can express concerns without fear
  • Integrating protection against harassment principles into the design of all programs and initiatives

VI. Zero Tolerance for Retaliation

The organization strongly condemns any form of direct or indirect retaliation against individuals who report incidents of harassment or participate in related investigations. Retaliation includes intimidation, defamation, professional or social isolation, or any form of psychological or professional pressure.

Retaliation constitutes a serious violation of this policy and will result in appropriate disciplinary action, which may include immediate dismissal or termination of the contractual relationship.

VII. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually and whenever necessary to ensure alignment with legal, human rights, and social developments. Where appropriate, the organization will publish anonymized statistics on complaints received and actions taken.

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