At Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) we are guided by the core values of social democracy – freedom, justice and solidarity. In the spirit of these values, we advocate for a society that treats all people with respect and dignity. In the context of our activities this means that our spaces must always be characterised by mutual respect and tolerance.

We do not tolerate any type of exclusion or discrimination based on racism, sexism, class, disability, religion, ideology, age, identity or sexual orientation.

We reject any type of gender-based discrimination and we do not tolerate any form of sexual harassment.

This is applicable to all people participating in our activities.

As an organization, FES takes its responsibility and legal obligation to prevent sexual harassment in all its spaces very seriously. We encourage you to always disclose any incidents of sexual harassment, violence and other forms of discrimination.

Here you can access the document on our complaint mechanism against sexual and gender-based violence.

Please do not hesitate to contact our whistleblower hotline in case you feel harassed in terms of this policy. You can make a complaint anonymously. Contact to the agency Whistle Blowers can be realized via various channels:

• (WhatsApp) Call:+27 81 55 55 201, speaking live to a trained Information agent.
• WhatsApp ChatBot: Initiate a report via the automated Whistle Blowers chatbot via +27 31 308 4664.
• Reporting App: Download the Whistle Blowers Ethics Hotline Reporting App, available from Google Play or the App Store, and make your report via our app. When asked for the “Unique hotline number”, enter the FES specific call number without the country code and with a zero in the beginning: 0815555201.
• Online Form: Make a report online via the Whistle Blowers website at www.whistleblowing.co.za. When asked for the “Unique hotline number”, enter the FES specific call number without the country code and with a zero in the beginning: 0815555201.
• Email: Send an email to fes(at)whistleblowing.co.za
• Post: Send a letter to PO Box 51006 Musgrave, South Africa, 4062
• Fax: Send a fax to +27 31 312 8825

Sensitivity and confidentiality are key principles for FES in exercising our responsibility and obligations to protect and assist participants.

Collectively creating spaces free from sexual harassment, violence and discrimination!