Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN WORKPLACE

Introduction

This has become an increasing form of harassment at workplaces in the world today . It involves the violation of an individual 's right to privacy and dignity at workplace on gender and sexual preference basis It is applicable to both sexes i .e . males and females . If a workmate colleague or superior brings excessive pressure or action to bear on an individual , which is clearly distressing to the person 's sexuality differences e .g . homosexuality , transgender or gender , then this constitutes as sexual harassment

This

usually takes in many forms and some of them include (i ) Use of unwanted and unwelcomed , inappropriate physical contact with a sexual connotation e .g . touching on the shoulder , thighs , brushing of the hands or fingers on e .g . Woman 's chest etc (ii ) Use of suggestive proposition or language which especially emphasizes on the gender or sexuality preferences of an individual e .g . `short , tight skirts bring out your thighs nicely ' don 't touch me you fag or weirdo ' etc (iii Use of public jokes which particular embarrass a particular gender or intimidate , in and out of workplace (iv ) The use of offensive poster and graffiti that degrades any gender or a particular sexuality (v ) The isolation and non-co-operation at work of any gender or sexuality . This involves hiding of information , and not involving the individual in discussion and rubbishing any suggestion they come up with etc (vi Shunning an individual at work and socially . This involves not sharing of workplace resources e .g . printer , telephones etc . This is usually done deliberately to avoid any contact with the particular individual (vii ) Pestering a person , by asking inappropriate and offensive questions . This is particularly experienced by the homosexuals and transgender individuals (viii ) Inappropriate and unwelcomed favors and request for social that are sexually suggestive (ix ) The use of pornographic , degrading pictures (as screen savers on computer ) at the work place that particularly attacks a specific gender or sexual preferences

However , sometimes these actions escalate and become gravely serious example :- (i ) Use of promise rewards especially in promotion for a staff or even recruitment . A superior can suggests a sexual favor , so that the particular employee can get a good recommendation or even a wonderful job performance appraisal (ii ) The use of explicit and implied threats of non-compliance by the employee . This is usually a misuse of institutional position . A particular employee can be threatened with termination , delayment of salary or wages , reduction of salary payment etc

Ways of preventing and minimizing sexual harassment

There are certain ways to prevent and deal with both employees and employers . The European commission in its recommendation on protection of the dignity of women and mean at work (November 1991 Member states should take action to promote awareness that conduct of a sexual nature , or other conduct bases on sex affecting the dignity of women and men at work , including conduct of superior and colleagues , is unacceptable if (i )Such conduct is unwanted , unreasonable...