Sexual
harassment is a growing phenomenon in many developing countries and even
developed countries. Many offenders sometime commit harassment against women
without even knowing that their actions tantamount to sexual harassment. And in
the receiving end, victims sometimes see these remarks as compliments.
This
had been endured and fought against by women in many occasions that they are
faced by this. By definition, sexual harassment is a “behaviour characterised
by the making of unwelcome and inappropriate sexual remarks or physical
advances in a workplace or other professional or social situation.”
In
other words, sexual harassment is the lack of consent and the feeling of
discomfort and uneasiness for the victim. This is especially present in many
workplaces where other men and other authoritative figures at work feel like
they have the power over lower-ranking employees. In effect, they say offensive
remarks and do inappropriate gestures. This may only seem like a joke to the
offender but it depends on how the receiver of the action and the remarks
received it. How did she feel being told and being treated that way?
The
Gambia Press Union, through the Women Journalists Association of The Gambia
recently rolled out Sexual Harassment Policy Sensitisation for both reporters
and editors. The initiative is part of a project, entitled ‘Breaking the Gender
Barriers’ in the Media. The 12-month
project is funded by the United Nations Scientific, Educational and Cultural
Organisation (UNESCO). Through the project, WOJAG hired a consultant to develop
a policy on sexual harassment in the media.
The
policy seeks to create awareness among members and media chief and in turn
promote a society free from sexual harassment.
It
is a good initiative by the Union that it seeks to provide safe spaces for the
members especially for women. Furthermore, institutions should not be cowards
in protecting the welfare of women and those sexually assaulted. Victims of
sexual assault go through a lot of hardships before finally admitting to
themselves and to other people that they are indeed assaulted.
It
is in no way beneficial for one to accuse someone falsely. In the end, their
time and reputation are at stake. With that, there is need for people to be
always truthful to their claims.
Sexual
harassment is no joke. Let’s fight to uproot it in our society!
“Setting
an example is not the main means of influencing others; it is the only means.”
Albert
Einstein
