Be more than a bystander: how to be a male ally against workplace gender discrimination

Men who witness gender discrimination at work are being encouraged to act in positive ways across the transport sector, including maritime, thanks to an innovative bystander initiative that many unions are beginning to adopt.

The programme is outlined in an International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) Seafarers Bulletin in support of the ITF's programme on ending violence against women transport workers.

The Be More Than a Bystander initiative began in a province of Canada with a partnership between the Ending Violence Association of British Columbia (EVABC) and the BC Lions football team in 2015. It involved training male leaders to educate schools, colleges, workplaces and professional sports leagues, and to promote the programme widely through social media. It is now being implemented in schools and workplaces across the world.

In the traditionally overwhelmingly male waterfront of British Columbia, the ILWU dock workers' union (which is affiliated to the ITF) has embraced it wholeheartedly.

The programme is based on the understanding that only a minority of men commit violence and abuse, and that most people wish to live and work peacefully and respectfully. But when harmful behaviour is left unchallenged, it has a negative impact on the wider workplace culture.

The programme particularly tackles workplace culture that has long tolerated bullying and harassment, and challenges entrenched behaviours. It does this by stimulating tough conversations – through the use of videos showing workplace scenarios, and by showing the importance of intervening early before hostile attitudes and beliefs escalate into verbal and physical expression.

How can allies intervene?

• non-verbally, such as simply refusing to join in an offensive conversation or to take part in sexist behaviour
• verbally, such as talking directly to the person being targeted, speaking out to the perpetrator, or encouraging others to show their disapproval

The ITF is also exploring how it might use the bystander training to help its own teams and its affiliated unions bring about change.

Safe at sea

Seafarer welfare charity ISWAN has also launched a Safe at Sea campaign to encourage more male allies for women onboard. 

Equality and Diversity Forum

Want to learn more about allyship in maritime? Join Nautilus or encourage colleagues to, and then sign up as a member for our regular Equality and Diversity Forum meetings held twice a year.

Member support

Nautilus members experiencing difficulties in the workplace such as bullying and harassment are reminded they can get support from with their Union by contacting their industrial representative. They also have access to Nautilus 24/7, a service that helps Nautilus members in emergencies around the clock.

Members can access assistance via the Nautilus 24/7 service by:

• send an SMS text message to+44 (0)7860 017 119 and we'll get back to you

• email helpline@nautilus247.org

• Skype (username nautilus-247)

• Encourage seafaring colleagues to join Nautilus and be part of a strong bargaining unit to ensure strong pay and conditions

Image: Nautilus Council member Jessica Tyson at the 2023 General Meeting, presenting what is now a resolution commiting the Union to supporting the yacht sector.

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