Stop sexual harassment at work

Sexual harassment at workplace has emerged as a growing problem for women in Bangladesh as more women are now joining the workforce. Speakers at a discussion on Wednesday talked about the problems of harassment, violence and discrimination facing female professionals in general, and stressed on bringing in appropriate legislation to prevent them. Law, if enforced properly, can greatly help to curb such practices, but it is only part of the solution. For a greater impact, we need to work on why sexism persists despite so much progress in education and women's empowerment and what militates against the disclosure of such incidents.

Sadly, sexual harassment in Bangladesh is still not treated as seriously as other gender crimes, a fact that emboldens the abusers. Often the victims refrain from reporting an incident fearing humiliation, termination of employment and other consequences. In many cases, employers don't have a clear sexual harassment policy in place, and hardly an effort is made to let the employees know what to do if an inappropriate encounter takes place. The fight against workplace sexual harassment and violence, therefore, must start where it occurs, bringing accountability and transparency in the rules of engagement for all employees. But sexism is not specific to any particular place or vocation and, therefore, requires greater policy attention. Unfortunately, Bangladesh still lacks necessary law to protect women from sexual harassment.

We urge the government to enact and implement necessary legislation to stop sexual harassment and violence, especially at workplaces. The society in general also has a responsibility to ensure—through education and awareness-raising activities—that women don't have to choose between economic emancipation and individual dignity because everyone, male or female, has the right to equal treatment.