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Côte d'Ivoire: CISL-DIGNITÉ strikes new path in fight against GBV

Digital shift in gender-based violence

The impact of gender-based violence at work is also growing in Côte d'Ivoire (West Africa) with the increase in digital communication. Online harassment, distribution of private photos, manipulation and humiliation affect workers in a variety of sectors. Yet knowledge about counselling and specialised agencies appears limited and silence prevails. Many workers do not know where to turn, making protection difficult and hiding abuses. Trade union Dignité, partner organisation of CNV Internationaal, recognises this picture from interviews with members:

 

"I had heard of hotlines, but I didn't know them. And even if I did know them: do they respond to digital violence? Can they really help me? This information needs to be shared regularly in our unions, in our workplaces."

 

- Anonymous worker in Côte d'Ivoire

During the Orange the World campaign, the union therefore decided to combine research and awareness-raising.

 

"Without clear information, victims do not find the right support structures. Therefore, during the Orange the World campaign, we collected data as well as organised an awareness campaign."

 

- Dofra SEKONGO, board member of CISL Dignité, partner union of CNV Internationaal

Making the invisible visible

To better understand what workers experience, Dignité launched an action research project. The union documented forms of violence and mapped how widespread the information gap really is.

"We needed evidence to clarify the reality our members experience. Before, we could not clarify the extent of the problem. We didn't know that there was a huge lack of information among workers about options for protection and countering gender-based violence."

- Project coordinator Cyriaque GAHA

Methodology

The survey was conducted through an anonymous online questionnaire designed in collaboration with the project coordinator of CNV Internationaal, the women's committee and the national secretariat. It was completed by more than 135 workers in just six days. Anonymity gave respondents the confidence to be open about experiences that would otherwise remain hidden. The experiences that came in were harrowing. Some examples:

Results

The survey results confirm how serious and widespread the problems are. Workers, regardless of their professional position, are exposed to:

  • repeated harassment,
  • distribution of images without permission,
  • hacking of accounts,
  • public humiliation and
  • attempts at digital (financial) extortion.

The vast majority of respondents indicated that they were aware of online violence situations in their immediate environment. Moreover, 75% of respondents said they did not know where to find help. This highlights the need for clear information, safe reporting channels and accessible support.

Lessons learned and different approach

With the outcomes, Dignité has structurally strengthened its approach to combating gender-based violence. The union now focuses on:

  • active listening to workers,
  • systematic documentation of violence through (digital) mechanisms,
  • accessible information and guidance to help structures.

Moreover, the use of anonymous digital tools proves to be an effective means of building trust and making visible experiences that would otherwise remain hidden. Experience shows that the union must constantly adapt its way of working around modern digital developments to remain relevant in the working environment.

Looking ahead: follow-up actions from 2026

From 2026, Dignité will integrate information on helplines and specialised agencies into all its campaigns by default. With support from CNV Internationaal, the union is working on:

  • digital reporting and referral systems,
  • regular surveys on gender-based violence,
  • accessible information services for all workers.

This approach to CNV Internationaal increases access to protection and strengthens the impact of union action. It contributes to an inclusive social dialogue in which workers themselves play an active role.

Managing change together

Dignité is one of the most influential trade unions in Côte d'Ivoire. Its collaboration with CNV Internationaal focuses on strengthening union capacity and improving workers' rights. This story also highlights that, thanks to the use of digital tools, unions can do more for workers in the context of gender-based violence.

Fair Impact Programme

CNV Internationaal is committed to promoting dialogue between employees, companies, civil society organisations and governments. Together, we strive for a world where every employee benefits from a safe working environment conducive to professional development.

Want more information or to work with our Fair Impact programme?

If so, please contact:

Francisca van Dusseldorp : f.vandusseldorp@cnv.nl

Regional Coordinator Africa / Focal point Gender

Publication date 09 02 2026