As part of the 5th Fairtrade Banana Forum, held on May 20 and 21 in Santa Marta, Colombia, the official launch of the “Silence Does Not Protect” campaign took place. This initiative seeks to prevent gender-based violence and sexual harassment in workplaces.
Representatives of banana trade associations signed a public commitment to promote actions to spread awareness of the campaign and join in the prevention of gender-based violence.
“This is a task that we will undertake together. We have secured the immediate support of trade associations in banana-buying countries, foundations that support Fairtrade, and exporters,” said Marike de Peña, president of the CLAC Banana Network.
The “Silence Does Not Protect” campaign is led by the Latin American and Caribbean Network of Small Fair Trade Producers and Workers (CLAC) and will be launched in several countries in the region. Its objective is clear: to raise awareness, educate, and promote safe work environments that prevent and do not tolerate gender-based violence and sexual harassment.
“For decades, silence has rendered violence in our fields and workplaces invisible. This campaign is a statement of principles: respect, equality, and dignity are not optional; they are the foundation of any economy that aspires to be truly fair,” said Marike de Peña.
“The voice of the Latin American banana sector must be loud and clear: there is no place for harassment or violence in our workplaces. This campaign is not just a symbolic gesture, it is a call to action,” said Emerson Aguirre Medina, president of AUGURA.
The letter of commitment to join the campaign was signed by 75 participants representing all those involved in banana production, distribution, and marketing. The campaign will be accompanied by various activities, the dissemination of educational materials, and tools for prevention and care in producer organizations.
Join the campaign: https://elsilencionoprotege.clac-comerciojusto.org/en
Sign the commitment: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=c-YnTJf00kejrq2D3cxGPSYhlSpTHBxMkXmzMk0qW1NUMTNINjQ0TTNSTDM5R0QwSjY2VThaVElDNy4u&origin=lprLink&route=shorturl
