May 8, 2018

Since last fall, millions of survivors have called out workplace sexual violence using #MeToo. In response, survivors in Chicago from diverse backgrounds and blue-collar industries have pressed for a movement of resistance to the tolerance of sexual violence in the workplace, especially for low-wage workers.

The Coalition Against Workplace Sexual Violence (CAWSV), which is comprised of worker rights activists, labor organizations, and anti-gender violence organizations (including CAASE) answered this outcry by organizing Building a #MeToo Worker-Led Resistance. The 2-day convening equipped grassroots organizers and workers with tools to open a dialogue in their communities on the causes of gender-based violence, create safe spaces for workers experiencing gender-based violence, and build individual and institutional allyship in their communities.

During the May 6th and 7th gathering, workshops were co-facilitated by worker leaders and representatives from anti-gender violence organizations. Esther Bolaños, a member of the Domestic Worker and Day Laborer Center of Chicago partnered with CAASE Staff Attorney Rachel Johnson (pictured right) to lead workshops on sexual harassment and the law. Their sessions, titled “Tools for Survivors”, clarified the legal definition of sexual harassment and discussed how to identify it. Participants also had the chance practice reporting misconduct to employers through role-playing.

Esther and Rachel have collaborated over the past few months, becoming a dynamic duo as they share information and encourage dialogue with diverse audiences. Rachel finds the partnership invaluable, saying “CAWSV works at the intersection of workers rights and anti-gender based violence. Co-facilitating workshops with Esther allows us to highlight the interplay between these critical issues and empower workers to use their voice.”

CAASE is proud to work with the allied organizations that compose CAWSV, which made Building a #MeToo Worker-Led Resistance a success. The convening’s 40+ participants are better prepared to exercise their rights, prevent workplace sexual harm, and share what they learned in their own communities.