The belittling or threatening behaviour directed at an individual worker or a group of workers especially women can make anyone unstable and affect their output at work.
As today marks the International Women’s Day, there is no better time to discuss issues that affect women and workplace harassment is definitely one of such issues.
Recently, matters of workplace harassment have gained interest among practitioners and researchers as it is becoming one of the most sensitive areas of effective workplace management, because a significant source of work stress is associated with aggressive behaviours at workplace.
In support to help end violence at the work place, The Girl child Art Foundation, recently held a workshop discussion themed, “workplace harassment” that bothers on causes, prevention, rights, and several others.
According to Adaobi Onyejike-Ananaba, founder of the Girl Child Act Foundation, “we believe that the causes of sexual harassment, gender inequality and poverty amongst women and girls, cannot be addressed without providing those affected with a voice and space to participate in decisions affecting them.
“Therefore, we understand and identify discrimination. Hence, we ensure we use friendly strategies and programs to educate girls, young women and their families on various developmental issues using all forms of artistic activities. Like dance, painting, poem, Art exhibitions and graffiti by young women and other forms of advocacy etc.”
She said, “Today the centre of the discussion is to see what can we do, the causes, how can we prevent it. So this is a conversation to hear and learn from other women their views. The general essence of the workshop is to share and rub minds together to, reduce absenteeism at the work place, increase staff turnover, increase productivity, as well as increase job satisfaction and staff morale at the workplace of our beneficiaries.”
Olakanmi Amoo-Onidundu, CEO, OMP Consult Ltd during his presentation said that workplace harassment is a belittling, aggressive, threatening attitude directed at humans.
He revealed that based on the data on mental health statistics, one in three women and one in five men face or are involved in harassment. He also said that 11 percent of workers experience unfair treatment due to gender.
Amoo-Onidundu further revealed that 20 percent of workers say they have experienced discomfort due to sexual humour and 22 percent of workers report being physically assaulted or threatened by patients or clients.
He also opined that work harassment leads to poor productivity, reduced motivation and disengagement, noting that the women are usually the victims of these situation hence the need for a preventive measure to help stop harassment.
He conclusively suggested that, “Introduction and implementation of policies at the workplace will help reduce harassment at the workplace.”
Nkechi Mordi, one of the guest speakers at the workshop, she said that there are subtle ways harassment happens, and it is getting more and more wide spread.
“Sexual harassment as well as work place harassment is more widespread than we are willing to acknowledge. So, Workshops like this gives us an avenue to rub minds and address these issues. She further said that there are more than enough policies put in place to address harassment but the issue is implementation of these policies.
“Young girls should know that it’s a jungle out there. You must arm yourself with knowledge and information. That’s the only way u can win this battle,” Mordi said.
Olajumoke Oke public health physician vehemently spoke on the effects of harassment on victims. In her words, “harassments can have a lifelong effect on victims. It goes from physical to psychological as well as mental. It can affect ones career negatively.”
She further said that Sexual harassment is of two sides, the victim and the employer.
“The employer has the responsibility to protect the employee. Ideally, workplace should have policies in place that affects sexual harassment. Human resources department should ensure that those policies are put into effect and every worker should be educated on these policies and what would happen if not adhered to.” Oke said.
“Another thing is to get people to support victims of harassment and prosecute the harasser effectively. Matters of harassment should be thorough investigated and followed through to see that the harasser is prosecuted and the act doesn’t continue.
Women have to learn to support each other and also to speak up whenever such cases rise,” Oke added.
