A Safe Space in the Workplace: TMMIN's 3P Strategy in Empowering Women Workers

A sense of safety is the cornerstone of a healthy workplace. At TMMIN, this belief stems from the understanding that everyone, especially women, deserves to feel valued and protected while performing their duties. A culture that respects, listens, and provides opportunities for growth is crucial for all employees to contribute calmly and confidently.

The concept of a safe space in the workplace arises from the fundamental human need to feel secure, valued, and free from physical and psychological barriers. For women, a safe space means not only freedom from inappropriate treatment but also equal opportunities to develop, express opinions, and assume important roles without fear of discrimination or social pressure. Unfortunately, many women have not fully experienced both: a sense of safety and equal opportunities.

According to the Annual Records of Violence Against Women (CATAHU) 2024 the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan), it is reported that 1 in 23 working women have experienced physical and psychological violence in the workplace.This figure serves as a stark reminder that this issue is real and demands serious attention. The Indonesian government itself has emphasized the importance of preventing workplace violence through the ratification of ILO Convention No. 190 on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work, which mandates that every company create a safe and dignified working environment for all.

As a manufacturing company, where the representation of women workers is often relatively low, TMMIN recognizes that the potential for violence can arise, whether consciously or unconsciously. Therefore, TMMIN prioritizes a safe space for women as a key commitment. As stated in TMMIN's Code of Conduct (COC) No. 9 on Respect for Human Rights and Liberty, particularly in points 9.3 and 9.4, which affirm the commitment to Equal Treatment and the prevention of Discrimination or Harassment, TMMIN strives to ensure that all company operational activities occur in an environment that respects human rights and is free from biased treatment.

These efforts are realized by building a supportive ecosystem through a healthy interaction culture in the workplace, as well as various sustainable career development and skill improvement programs. The value of Respect breathes life into TMMIN's efforts to foster a safe and equitable work environment. Through this value, every individual is encouraged to understand the meaning of respect, both in speech and in daily actions. From this foundation, TMMIN then solidifies its approach through the 3P strategy (Promotion, Prevention, Protection) as a concrete manifestation of building a culture of mutual respect and safety for all.

Through Promotion, TMMIN endeavors to disseminate important messages and values about safe spaces to all employees. Various initiatives are undertaken, ranging from the installation of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) themed posters in work areas to the organization of sensitizing training for leaders and employees broadly. This step serves as a means to instill the awareness that a safe space is built not only through policies but also through daily attitudes and behaviors in the work environment.

Meanwhile, through Prevention, TMMIN focuses on proactive measures to minimize the potential for discomfort and bias in the workplace from an early stage. These efforts are realized through mentoring by peer counselors called 'Senpai,' empowerment through women's communities, and Yorisoi sessions, which are casual discussions that provide an open dialogue space between employees and leaders.

Finally, through Protection, TMMIN ensures that every employee has access to a transparent and trustworthy protection system. These efforts include easily accessible reporting channels, assistance for affected parties, and regular evaluations to ensure that every policy is effective. In its implementation, this 3P strategy not only targets women workers as its primary focus but also involves leaders, colleagues, and external partners such as vendors and outsourcing. In this way, a sense of safety can grow comprehensively at every level of the work environment, no longer limited to certain individuals, but becoming a living and shared culture.

Through the various efforts undertaken, TMMIN aims to ensure that a safe space is not just a concept but is truly felt in the daily lives of every employee. From policies to work culture, from production floors to discussion rooms, every step is directed towards fostering a sense of mutual appreciation and respect.

UN Women once stated, "A woman's place is everywhere, and in every space, she has the right to feel safe and welcome." This message serves as a reminder that a safe space for women is not a privilege, but a fundamental right that should be guaranteed by every organization. This is because women are present almost everywhere, in various positions, and even in the virtual world, and in every space, they are equally valuable.

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INSPIRE Value targeted through the activities highlighted in this article:

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targeted through the activities highlighted in this article:

References:

Komnas Perempuan. (2024). Catatan Tahunan (CATAHU): Catatan Tahunan Kekerasan terhadap Perempuan. https://komnasperempuan.go.id/...

UN Women. (2024). Creating safe and empowering public spaces with women and girls. https://www.unwomen.org/en/wha...