What is Sexual Harassment?
This is any type of behaviour which is unwelcome, totally unwanted and of a sexual nature. When this behaviour is not addressed and continues especially at the workplace, it creates a hostile and very uncomfortable workplace or environment. Examples of such behaviour are suggestive comments, unwelcome sexual comments, jokes etc.
Dealing with sexual harassment at the workplace
FACTS OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT
- The victim as well as the perpetrator of sexual harassment may be a woman or a man. The victim does not have to be of the opposite sex.
- The harasser can be the victim’s supervisor, an agent of the employer, a supervisor in another area, a co-worker, or a non-employee.
- The victim does not have to be the person harassed but could be anyone affected by the offensive conduct.
- The harasser’s conduct must be unwelcome.
Dealing with sexual harassment at the workplace
The three (3) types of Sexual Harassment
- Physical
- Sexual
- Visual
Physical
- Lustful hand gestures to convey suggestive messages
- Unwanted touching of a person, clothing, hair
- Frequently following or standing too close to a person
- Playing offensive music
Sexual
- Verbal/Written
- Sending offensive jokes or graphics via email, text, social media
- Repeatedly requesting dates of sexual favors in person or through text messages
- Cyberbullying
Visual
- It is the most difficult one to detect as well as the physical
- Wearing clothes with offensive or vulgar language
- Display posters or pictures of a sexual nature
- Requesting for naked photos from another
- Watching pornographic or violent videos
- Sending other people sexually suggestive messages
Addressing Sexual Harassment at the workplace
- Awareness creation: including pop email messages, postures and flyers
- Adopt a strong policy on anti-sexual harassment
- Provide budgetary support for training staff
- Provide workable procedures and sanctions
- Establish a committee to handle complaints
- Provide support, such as counselling for the victims and the perpetrator
- Prevent victimization and retaliation
- Increase security cameras e.g. CCTV at the office
- Promote a respectful workplace
Addressing Sexual Harassment (External mechanisms)
- Reporting to the Commission on Human Rights and Administration for investigation and adjudication
- Reporting to the National Labour Commission
- Reporting to the Police for investigation and criminal action if the behaviour can be classified under the offence of indecent assault in the Criminal Offenses Act of 1960, Act 29
- Taking up a civil suit under the Law of Tort for damages and compensation and other reliefs against the perpetrator and or the institution where it occurred. Class Actions are also possible.
The Cost of sexual harassment to organisations
- Possible legal suits
- Monetary payments for damages or compensations usually large
- Public shame and embarrassment
- Withdrawal of patronage
- Possible shut down
