A practice review: Stakeholder mapping and civil society initiatives focusing on gender and whistleblowing

Key Findings 27 actors with whistleblowing initiatives were mapped. Gender-focused whistleblowing initiatives are in early stages. Most initiatives emphasize extra-organizational dimensions and social value transformation, focusing on policy advocacy. Organizations tend to link whistleblowing to a global governance agenda such as anti-corruption, press freedom, digital rights, and human rights. Only 7 organizations (out of 27) offer specific services tailored to gendered aspects of whistleblowing. Types of Approaches Identified: Social Awareness Approach: The most prevalent approach, using two strategies: publicizing womens experiences, and highlighting data on disparities in access to reporting systems and effectiveness, or otherwise, of legal frameworks in practical cases. This approach personalizes and contextualizes the challenges women face in whistleblowing. Utilitarian Approach: Less common but growing, this approach emphasizes whistleblowing as a tool to expose and reduce systematic practices like gender-based violence and workplace discrimination. It positions whistleblowing as a mechanism for gender- relevant social justice and systemic change. Effective Protection and Assistance Approach: The least-developed approach, advocating for gender-sensitive whistleblower protection policies. While some organizations refer whistleblowers to specialized services, such as free legal assistance and psychosocial support, there is a significant gap in availability of comprehensive services with a gender focus. More robust, integrated services are needed to protect and support whistleblowers effectively.