{"id":1842,"date":"2024-05-03T11:47:20","date_gmt":"2024-05-03T09:47:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ug\/discover\/?p=1842"},"modified":"2024-05-03T11:47:23","modified_gmt":"2024-05-03T09:47:23","slug":"expert-interview-addressing-workplace-sexual-harassment-in-uganda","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ug\/discover\/expert-interview-addressing-workplace-sexual-harassment-in-uganda","title":{"rendered":"Expert Interview: Addressing Workplace Sexual Harassment in Uganda"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote has-text-align-center is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Navigating Workplace Sexual Harassment\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/eD9JL268AaM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Full Episode Here<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<cite><br>&#8216;If you can&#8217;t say it to your mum, don&#8217;t say it to your colleague&#8217;<br> -Safina Virani<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>To conclude Sexual Assault Awareness month, BrighterMonday Uganda hosted Safina Virani, Co-Founder and Co-Director of <a class=\"article-body-links\"href=\"https:\/\/fraueninitiativeuganda.org\/about-us\/\">Frauen Initiative<\/a>, on our podcast, <a class=\"article-body-links\"href=\"https:\/\/rb.gy\/vtltll\">Inside The Cubicle<\/a>. Safina&#8217;s expertise shed light on the challenges and potential solutions surrounding workplace sexual harassment in Uganda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69f2af507f94a\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69f2af507f94a\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ug\/discover\/expert-interview-addressing-workplace-sexual-harassment-in-uganda\/#Understanding_the_Landscape\" >Understanding the Landscape<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ug\/discover\/expert-interview-addressing-workplace-sexual-harassment-in-uganda\/#Challenges_in_Reporting_and_Addressing_Harassment\" >Challenges in Reporting and Addressing Harassment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ug\/discover\/expert-interview-addressing-workplace-sexual-harassment-in-uganda\/#For_employers_using_job_platforms_in_Uganda_what_proactive_measures_can_they_take_to_prevent_sexual_harassment_within_their_organizations\" >For employers using job platforms in Uganda, what proactive measures can they take to prevent sexual harassment within their organizations?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ug\/discover\/expert-interview-addressing-workplace-sexual-harassment-in-uganda\/#What_role_can_jobseeker_and_employer_platforms_play_in_raising_awareness_about_sexual_harassment_and_promoting_safe_working_environments\" >What role can jobseeker and employer platforms play in raising awareness about sexual harassment and promoting safe working environments?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ug\/discover\/expert-interview-addressing-workplace-sexual-harassment-in-uganda\/#What_can_you_do_if_its_someone_in_a_position_of_power_that_is_trying_to_take_advantage_of_you\" >What can you do if it\u2019s someone in a position of power that is trying to take advantage of you?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-understanding-the-landscape\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Understanding_the_Landscape\"><\/span>Understanding the Landscape<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Uganda is listed as one of the top countries in Africa that has a high volume of Workplace Sexual harassment, 80% to be concise, according to Miss Virani.  It is a pressing issue deeply rooted in cultural and societal norms.  Misconceptions and power dynamics often lead victims to be unaware they&#8217;re being harassed, perpetuating a culture of silence and impunity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-challenges-in-reporting-and-addressing-harassment\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Challenges_in_Reporting_and_Addressing_Harassment\"><\/span>Challenges in Reporting and Addressing Harassment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Safina highlighted the unique challenges faced by individuals in Uganda when reporting or addressing workplace sexual harassment. The lack of education on the subject has left individuals believing that  sexual harassment can only be defined as assault. However, it is assessed in the three sexual acts that are normally not consented to, physical, verbal and non Verbal. Examples of these three include, verbal( for example sexist slurs like the b word), then non verbal (Unconsented pictures) and physical could be a collegue doing weird movements that exhibit sex. As a target, these acts leave you disturbed and violated without the predator even touching you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-for-employers-using-job-platforms-in-uganda-what-proactive-measures-can-they-take-to-prevent-sexual-harassment-within-their-organizations\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"For_employers_using_job_platforms_in_Uganda_what_proactive_measures_can_they_take_to_prevent_sexual_harassment_within_their_organizations\"><\/span>For employers using job platforms in Uganda, what proactive measures can they take to prevent sexual harassment within their organizations?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><\/p>\n<cite>&#8216; Employees need to sit down and look at their policy&#8230; Look at your policy and make sure it covers everything. Sexual harassment may not happen within the organization, it might happen between organization and service providers, or if the organization providing a service, it might happen with the customers.&#8217;<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Employers using job platforms in Uganda must take proactive steps to prevent sexual harassment within their organizations through their policies, internal communications and training. Safina emphasized the importance of establishing clear policies, providing regular training, and fostering a culture of accountability. Promoting professionalism in all interactions is crucial for creating safe work environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-role-can-jobseeker-and-employer-platforms-play-in-raising-awareness-about-sexual-harassment-and-promoting-safe-working-environments\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_role_can_jobseeker_and_employer_platforms_play_in_raising_awareness_about_sexual_harassment_and_promoting_safe_working_environments\"><\/span>What role can jobseeker and employer platforms play in raising awareness about sexual harassment and promoting safe working environments?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><\/p>\n<cite>&#8216;It&#8217;s very important to know your rights. It&#8217;s very important for you to understand what sexual harassment is, what it looks like and how it manifests in the workplace&#8217;<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Safina underscored the pivotal role job seeker and employer platforms can play in raising awareness and promoting safe workplaces. By educating users about their rights and providing resources for reporting, these platforms empower individuals to advocate for change and hold organizations accountable. Safina suggested integrating features for anonymous reporting and support services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-can-you-do-if-it-s-someone-in-a-position-of-power-that-is-trying-to-take-advantage-of-you\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_can_you_do_if_its_someone_in_a_position_of_power_that_is_trying_to_take_advantage_of_you\"><\/span>What can you do if it\u2019s someone in a position of power that is trying to take advantage of you?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><\/p>\n<cite>&#8216;According to the employment rules\/laws you can&#8217;t fire someone for raising this concern&#8217; <\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Safina emphasized the importance of knowing your rights! By law, it is illegal for someone to fire you for raising a concern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Victims often find themselves in precarious situations where confronting perpetrators may jeopardize their livelihoods. Strategies such as documentation, seeking support from advocacy groups (example Women Pro Bono Initiative or Frauen Intiative) and bystander intervention can help hold perpetrators accountable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Safina Virani&#8217;s insights shed invaluable light on the complexities of workplace sexual harassment in Uganda. By acknowledging cultural and societal factors, implementing company policies, and fostering a supportive environment, stakeholders can work towards creating safer workplaces for all. BrighterMonday remains committed to facilitating these discussions and driving positive change in the workplace.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>BrighterMonday Uganda podcast hosted Safina Virani from Frauen Initiative, discussing workplace sexual harassment challenges and solutions in Uganda.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":167,"featured_media":1845,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,132],"tags":[],"content_author":[],"class_list":["post-1842","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-career-development","category-life-at-work"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ug\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1842","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ug\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ug\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ug\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/167"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ug\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1842"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ug\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1842\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ug\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1845"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ug\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1842"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ug\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1842"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ug\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1842"},{"taxonomy":"content_author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ug\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content_author?post=1842"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}