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
Diversity is essential to keeping a company thriving.
Hold events and workshops to inform employees about promote gender equality at work
Establish a clear procedure on how situations of sexual harassment will be handled, and follow up as soon as this type of behavior occurs.
Read more at : https://fairygodboss.com/career-topics/gender-discrimination-in-the-workplace
iVoice Idea Competition
iVoice is an online platform that encourages youth to discuss social issues and to drive innovative solutions. The platform features stories relating to social issues in Sri Lanka, which are submitted by iVoice contributors and the general public.
The objective of the iVoice Idea Competition is to encourage youth to play a participatory role in solving social issues. After reading a story featured on iVoice, youth can submit their ‘idea’ to help to address the social issue that is highlighted in the story. The ten best ideas will receive seed capital of Rs. 100,000/- each, and mentoring, to support in implementing their ideas.
The majority of articles featured on iVoice relate to a social issue. These stories have a ‘Submit Your Idea’ button at the end of the article, inviting youth to share their innovative ideas on how to address these social issues.
Submitted ideas must be innovative and unique. The ideas must also be practical and implementable by 31 December 2017.
The deadline for submitting an idea is 3 September 2017.
To submit an idea, the following details must be provided through the online form:
Note: Participants can submit any number of ideas; however, only one idea per article is permitted.
Ideas will be evaluated through a competitive process.
03 Sept 2017: Closing of submissions at 23:59 on 3 September 2017
06 Sept 2017: Shortlisting of 20 ideas
13 Sept 2017: Shortlisted applicants to present their ideas in further detail to the judging panel
21 Sept 2017: The ten winning ideas will be announced at the Award Ceremony at which Rs. 100,000/- seed capital will be granted to each of the winning applicants
Evaluation criteria includes creativity of the proposed idea to address the given social issue, and feasibility of implementation within the stipulated budget and timeframe.
The number of votes received per idea will not be a deciding factor.
The judging panel’s decision will be final.
iVoice Idea Competition
iVoice is an online platform that encourages youth to discuss social issues and to drive innovative solutions. The platform features stories relating to social issues in Sri Lanka, which are submitted by iVoice contributors and the general public.
The objective of the iVoice Idea Competition is to encourage youth to play a participatory role in solving social issues. After reading a story featured on iVoice, youth can submit their ‘idea’ to help to address the social issue that is highlighted in the story. The ten best ideas will receive seed capital of Rs. 100,000/- each, and mentoring, to support in implementing their ideas.
The majority of articles featured on iVoice relate to a social issue. These stories have a ‘Submit Your Idea’ button at the end of the article, inviting youth to share their innovative ideas on how to address these social issues.
Submitted ideas must be innovative and unique. The ideas must also be practical and implementable by 31 December 2017.
The deadline for submitting an idea is 3 September 2017.
To submit an idea, the following details must be provided through the online form:
Note: Participants can submit any number of ideas; however, only one idea per article is permitted.
Ideas will be evaluated through a competitive process.
03 Sept 2017: Closing of submissions at 23:59 on 3 September 2017
06 Sept 2017: Shortlisting of 20 ideas
13 Sept 2017: Shortlisted applicants to present their ideas in further detail to the judging panel
21 Sept 2017: The ten winning ideas will be announced at the Award Ceremony at which Rs. 100,000/- seed capital will be granted to each of the winning applicants
Evaluation criteria includes creativity of the proposed idea to address the given social issue, and feasibility of implementation within the stipulated budget and timeframe.
The number of votes received per idea will not be a deciding factor.
The judging panel’s decision will be final.
I agree to the following:
- My story is my own work and does not contain plagiarized material or violate any copyright infringements
- My work is subjected to an editorial committee review that may add, remove, or amend my story, if necessary, to enhance its value
- The editorial committee has the right to decide whether or not my story is published
- My story can be shared or reposted on any other platform that iVoice has partnered or affiliated with at any given instance. However, my identity will be protected
- By agreeing to ‘Allow Ideas submission from iVoice community’, I allow anyone to submit an Idea or solution to my story
- Ideas submitted under my story belong solely to the individual submitting the idea and I will not be held accountable to its content.
- I have carefully read and understood the iVoice Guidelines