Understanding Sexual Harassment: What it is, Why it happens, Who is most vulnerable, and How to report it
Sexual harassment includes all types of discriminatory and predatory behavior that makes workplaces and public spaces inaccessible or unsafe for women. All actions that create an environment of hostility against women constitute sexual harassment. Thus it not only includes acts that directly perpetuate physical or sexual violence against women such as molestation and demanding sexual favors but also includes all behavior that creates a hostile environment such as making sexist remarks and lewd jokes This often causes long term physical, emotional and mental trauma and prevents women from progressing in their career.
Even though both men and women can be victims of molestation and unwanted sexual advance, the gender dynamics of patriarchal societies makes the fight against sexual harassment in the workplace a feminist issue which is integral in achieving a level playing field for individuals of all genders. Most victims of workplace sexual harassment are women, which makes them the more vulnerable group. Many women start off at lower levels of organizational structures and seek to break the glass ceiling by progressing in their careers. Their ambition (which is perfectly justified) is often used by men in positions of power (their bosses) as they seek to prey on them. Most harassers are also serial, who traumatize a number of women (who work as their subordinates) throughout their careers. Women who belong to economically weaker backgrounds and depend on their jobs for sustenance and do not have other alternative employment opportunities are also vulnerable to being preyed on by their superiors.
Legislations across the world have tried to deal with sexual harassment in their own different ways. Reporting directly is not an effective method because the people who handle normal complaints are often more understanding to the accused than the accuser because they too are often men who use their position to protect their friends. This has prompted governments to force companies to set up independent Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) to deal with sexual harassment cases. These committees are mandated to have representation from women and those who do not occupy other positions of power within the organization. For cases that are very extreme and involve physical or sexual assault, reporting to law enforcement agencies is recommended. The criminalization of all forms of sexual harassment is important to ensure the creation of safe workplaces.
