A taboo until recently, the issue of sexual harassment at the workplace is gaining gradual
recognition as a problem of discrimination against women as workers at the workplace. It is an issue that interfaces with two concerns: violence against women and rights of women in the workplace. Efforts at legal reform for combating violence against women have concentrated on the more extreme cases such as that of rape, while advocacy campaigns for women workers’ rights have concentrated on issues such as equal rights for equal pay, rather than on sexual harassment at the workplace.With the data indicating a steady growth in the participation of women in Nepal’s labor market, it may be assumed that the problem of sexual harassment at workplace on the rise.The problem receives little social recognition and legal redress because patriarchal values, traditions, norms, and even laws discriminate against women. Furthermore, the relations between men and women are governed by norms and values that are essentially formulated by patriarchy. The long history of unequal power relations has given rise to many traditions that lead women to tolerate discrimination and exploitation. In fact, violence of all kinds including sexual harassment can be traced to this history of inequality.This study on sexual harassment in Nepal is one of the very few studies conducted in Nepal so far. Conducting a study on a subject considered taboo was challenging, as at times it was difficult to conduct interviews. Nonetheless, there were interviewees who appreciated the study on a subject like this, and showed great enthusiasm in responding to our queries.The study has also examined legal and other mechanisms available or not available for addressing this problem and has put forward recommendations from all concerned agencies to address the issue of sexual harassment at the workplace. The findings of the study would contribute in developing a framework, which would be needed to frame laws and policies on sexual harassment. This research has not only tried to collect information but has also taken this, as an opportunity to pass a message that sexual harassment is a serious issue and a crime.In this study 53.84 percent of women employee/ workers have reported that they themselves experienced sexual harassment in the work place, whereas 57.14 percent male and 23.08 percent women employee/workers were of the view that they were aware of sexual harassment at the workplace. The study shows that 88 percent of policy makers/civil society and 72.72 percent of respondent employers/management believe that sexual harassment is commonly practiced at mass workers’^ level. Likewise, 80 percent of policy makers/civil society members and 72.72 percent of employers responded that sexual harassment is also practiced at the helpers’ level.Sexual harassment at the workplace, a subject that has previously been considered a taboo, is gaining gradual recognition as a problem of discrimination against women as workers at the workplace. It is an issue that interfaces with two concerns: violence against women and rights of women in the workplace. Efforts at legal reform for combating violence against women have concentrated on the more extreme cases such as that of rape, while advocacy campaigns for women workers' rights have concentrated on issues such as equal rights for equal pay, rather than on sexual harassment at the workplace.Violence is an obstacle to achieving the objectives of equaiify, development and peace. It nullifies women's enjoyment of their human rights and fundamental freedoms. Failure to protect and promote these rights and freedoms is a matter of great concern to all states and should be addressed effectively.
|
Publisher:
ILO
,
(2004
) |
Type / Script:
Progress Report
in English
|
Keywords:
SEXUAL HARASSMENT, DICRIMINATION, EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION, GENDER DISCRIMINATION, GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE, SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR, PHYSICAL HARASSMENT, VERBAL HARASSMENT, EMOTIONAL HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, HARASSMENT BY GESTURE, HOSTILE WORK, EMPLOYEES, EMPLOYERS, TORTURE, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, HUMAN RIGHTS, GENDER DISCRMINATION, VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN, WORKPLACE VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ABUSE, MENTAL DISEASE, TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS, COMMERICAL SEXUAL EXPLOITATION, SUICIDE, HOMICIDE
|
Thematic Group:
ILO
:
International Labor & Labor
|
Thesaurus:
14.02.01
- Discrimination
|
Reference Link:
|
|
|
** This document has been:
3042
times viewed
368
times downloaded. Feeder:
ANG1EE12
, Editor:
ALISHA THAPALIYA
, Auditor:
View Document History
|
|
|
|
|