Self-initiated protection behavior based on Magna Carta of women: Women health workers, teachers, and minimum-wage earners in the workplace

Abstract

The problem of violence in the workplace continues to expand and it casts a shadow on organizational environments all around the world. This phenomenon extends to different fields or sectors and is pervasive throughout a wide range of job environments, such as those in the healthcare industry, educational institutions, local and informal economies, and service industries. The purpose of this study was to analyze the actions of working women when their rights had been/will be violated. This quantitative study was conducted in Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines among women in academe (n=121) and health institutions (n=39), and women of minimum-wage earners (n=42). Findings indicated that working women in the region tend to seek information outside their organizations when violence will happen; they also seek information when their rights once were violated. In some instances, they would only file a complaint when they feel discriminated against and when equal rights in the workplace are not well implemented. Notably, minimum-wage earners and health workers are more likely to file a complaint than teachers. The findings resonate with broader societal patterns wherein hesitancy to report workplace violations are deeply embedded. Such behaviors perpetuate gender-based violence and hinder the development of gender-sensitive and conducive workplaces. To deconstruct the gender and development (GAD) limitations, interventions need to extend beyond the present organizational policies to instill a culture of empowerment and safety for all individuals, fostering an environment conducive to open discussions, proactive conflict resolution mechanisms, and reliable report systems.