Agent-based* workforce models play a vital role in expanding access to products and services across emerging markets in the off-grid sector. However, the nature of this work can expose agents to heightened risks of gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH), particularly where agents operate independently, engage directly with customers, travel frequently, or work in remote locations.

Designed for organisations at different stages of growth, this toolkit brings together actionable guidance, templates, assessment tools and good practice resources that reflect both international standards and the operational realities of agent-based business models. It supports companies to strengthen prevention, reporting, response and accountability, while building safer, more inclusive working environments for their workforce.

The toolkit includes resources on:

• Conducting a GBVH risk assessment across company operations
• Developing GBVH policies, grievance mechanisms and incident response procedures tailored to agent workforces
• Strengthening agent recruitment, onboarding, engagement and safeguarding measures, including operational risk controls and reporting mechanisms
• Assessing GBVH risks and management systems as part of investor due diligence.

The toolkit was developed through a consultative process that included focus group discussions with agents, engagement with companies operating in the sector, and an anonymous survey of investors, companies and other ecosystem stakeholders.

Whether you are just beginning to address GBVH risks or looking to strengthen existing systems, these tools are designed to help organisations move from awareness to action and build approaches that can evolve as their business grows.