Sexual Harassment at Workplace

by admin
17-Jun-2020

Sexual Harassement at Workplace

Sexual harassment at work is a new term to describe the age-old problem of unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature at workplaces. It happens to workers in the public service, in large and small enterprises, in services and shops. Though it is stated that the Sri Lankan economy continues to depend largely on the labour of women in garment factories, overseas domestic service, and in plantations, a wide gender gap is seen in the labour force with low women participation when compared with men, high unemployment rates for women, a higher rate of unpaid work from women, and a particularly lower level of women representation in managerial positions .

Source: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2017/11/22/Getting-More-Sri-Lankan-Women-to-Work-It-Can-Be-Done

“Greater participation of women in employment is a common practice in 21st century and it is important for their economic maintenance and sustainability. A large number of working women face sexual harassment in the workplace regardless of their economic, social or education position. In the era of rights based approach, the right to work is an essential right of every person and it was noticed that the women are the most vulnerable group of victims under sexual harassment at workplaces.” (Source : Sri Lankan Women and Sexual Harassments at Workplaces: In Search of Law Reforms by Pathiraja, P.M.A.S., http://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/19365)

Sri Lankan law has considered sexual harassment in a broader manner, irrespective of gender and place of the offensive conduct.

The story by world bank - Sri Lankans Urge Employers to Adopt Family-friendly Policies, highlight the Law enforcement that demonstrates commitment to zero tolerance of sexual harassment both at work and in public spaces is essential. Sorce:https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2018/05/01/sri-lankans-urge-employers-to-adopt-family-friendly-policies

The most effective weapon against sexual harassment is prevention. Harassment does not disappear on its own. In fact, it is more likely that when the problem is not addressed, the harassment will worsen and become more difficult to remedy as time goes on.

Employers should provide a mechanism for addressing sexual harassment in a confidential and sensitive manner after a grievance has been filed. A well constructed and well-implemented plan within an organization may stop inappropriate conduct before it creates a problem for individual employees or the company. In combating sexual harassment at the work place the workers’ perspective and legal protection within the system has been considered to be of vital importance.

Simplilearn is one of the world’s leading certification training providers, in this video on "Prevention of sexual harassment at the workplace (POSH)" clearly explains the gender issues at workplace, sexual harassment categories, inferring causes & impact of sexual harassment.

 
 

In overcoming sexual harassment at the workplace following levels of interventions have also been considered  by the Fairygodboss Inc. is a company that believes that people are happier, more committed and maximally efficient when they can bring their whole selves to work.

In overcoming sexual harassment at the workplace following levels of interventions have  also been  considered

  • Create an equal opportunity policy

Diversity is essential to keeping a company thriving.

  • Educate employees about gender discrimination in the workplace.

Hold events and workshops to inform employees about promote gender equality at work

  • Take immediate action to address complaints.

Establish a clear procedure on how situations of sexual harassment will be handled, and follow up as soon as this type of behavior occurs.

  • Check own unconscious biases - and make sure that employees do then same.

 Read more at : https://fairygodboss.com/career-topics/gender-discrimination-in-the-workplace

 

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