Safeguarding

Migrant Women Press Safeguarding Policy

Table of Contents

  1. Policy Statement
  2. Commitment to Safeguarding
  3. Code of Conduct
  4. Breach of the Code
  5. Roles and Responsibilities for Safeguarding
  6. Reporting Mechanisms and Complaints Handling
  7. Confidentiality and Protection
  8. Prevention Measures
  9. Policy Review
  10. Acknowledgment & Agreement

1. Policy Statement

Migrant Women Press (MWP) is a migrant women-led independent media organisation connecting women from diverse backgrounds navigating life in a new place to amplify their voices through journalism.

Our work is centered around human dignity, gender equality, anti-racism, social justice, inclusiveness, and accountability. We are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful space for all individuals engaging with MWP.

MWP upholds a zero-tolerance approach towards all forms of discrimination, violence, sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, racism, transphobia, sexism, and any form of oppressive behavior, whether online or offline.

As aligned with the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, The 1951 Refugee Convention, The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UN), MWP recognises the universality of human rights and actively works to reduce risks to the safety, dignity, and well-being of women, non-binary individuals, and their children.

2. Commitment to Safeguarding

MWP’s Safeguarding Policy aims to:

  • Ensure that MWP employees, volunteers, and contributors do not harm women, non-binary individuals, vulnerable people, and children.
  • Ensure that risks to safety and incidents of misconduct, violence, racism, or discrimination are identified, reported, and addressed in a timely and appropriate manner.
  • Provide clear guidelines and accountability mechanisms to promote a culture of respect and safety within the organisation.

MWP is committed to ensuring that all policies, procedures, and actions reflect our dedication to these principles transparently and responsibly.

3. Code of Conduct

As a feminist and anti-racist organisation, MWP maintains a strict Code of Conduct to promote a culture of dignity and respect in all engagements. Our community members, including employees, volunteers, contributors, and partners, are expected to:

  • Treat everyone with dignity, respect, and fairness.
  • Actively challenge racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, xenophobic, and ableist behavior.
  • Not tolerate misogyny, microaggressions, harassment, hate speech, intimidation, or abuse in any form, whether online or in-person.
  • Recognise and respect intersectional identities, including cultural differences and power imbalances.
  • Report any concerns or suspicions regarding abuse, exploitation, or violations of this Code of Conduct.
  • Not engage in any form of sexual abuse or exploitation of any persons, including sexual activity with a minor (under 18), regardless of age of consent laws.
  • Not exchange money, employment, goods, or services for sexual favors or exploitative behavior while working with or representing MWP.
  • Not engage in inappropriate relationships that involve or suggest partiality, preferential treatment, or abuse of power within the organisation.

4. Breach of the Code

Violations of this Code of Conduct are taken seriously and may result in disciplinary actions, including termination of employment or collaboration with MWP. Legal violations will be referred to the appropriate authorities.

Any individual aware of a breach of this Code must report it to MWP’s Safeguarding Policy Officer.

5. Roles and Responsibilities for Safeguarding

There is one Safeguarding Policy Officer at Migrant Women Press:

  • Juliana da Penha (Primary)

All inquiries should be sent to the email address: migrantwomenpress@gmail.com

Safeguarding Policy Officer’s Responsibilities:

  • Receive, study, and assess complaints.
  • Write an acknowledgment to the complainant.
  • Convene a meeting with relevant personnel.
  • Identify any possible threats and decide whether to conduct an investigation.
  • Prepare the schedule for the investigation process.
  • Conduct a risk assessment and revise the Safeguarding Policy annually.
  • Organise yearly training on safeguarding topics.

6. Reporting Mechanisms and Complaints Handling

MWP encourages all individuals to report any safeguarding concerns through the following channels:

  • Email: migrantwomenpress@gmail.com

Upon receiving a complaint, MWP will:

  1. Acknowledge receipt within 48 hours.
  2. Conduct an initial risk assessment to ensure the safety of all involved.
  3. Determine the need for an investigation, ensuring confidentiality and fairness.
  4. Take appropriate action, which may include mediation, disciplinary measures, or legal referral.

7. Confidentiality and Protection

MWP ensures that all complaints and reports are handled with strict confidentiality. Information will not be shared beyond designated personnel unless required by law or for the survivor’s well-being.

8. Prevention Measures

To actively prevent harm, MWP will:

  • Provide regular safeguarding training to employees, volunteers, and contributors.
  • Integrate safeguarding principles into recruitment and onboarding processes.
  • Ensure partnerships with organisations that align with our safeguarding principles.
  • Conduct annual policy reviews to ensure best practices and continuous improvement.

9. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed every two years by the Board and the Migrant Women Press team. The next review date is January 2026, unless it is deemed necessary to conduct an earlier review.

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