Sexual harassment is a pervasive issue in the workplace, as recently highlighted in the BBC documentary “Sex for Work” that focused on tea plantations run by Unilever and James Finlay in Kenya. The issue of sexual harassment must be addressed at its root, as women contribute approximately 33% of Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product through sustainable agriculture, yet they still face abuse. Sexual harassment significantly affects women’s productivity, emotional well-being, and physical health.
To prevent sexual harassment, employers can develop clear policies that outline unacceptable behaviour and the steps to be taken if a complaint is made. Promoting women to leadership roles can create a more balanced workplace where women are empowered and have more significant influence. Regular employee training on sexual harassment and reporting mechanisms is crucial. Creating a positive and safe workplace culture that promotes respect, dignity, and equality for all employees is another critical step. Employers and employees should be held accountable for preventing and addressing sexual harassment. Employers should support victims of sexual harassment by offering counselling services and time off work if needed. It is not just the responsibility of employers to prevent sexual harassment; female employees must also actively prevent harassment by reporting abuse without fear or intimidation.
To ensure transparency and accountability, companies should prioritize the GRI Standards related to sexual harassment prevention and resolution in the workplace, such as GRI Standards 401 (Employment), 403 (Occupational Health and Safety), and 406 (Non-discrimination). The GRI Standards require disclosure of policies, practices, incidents, and actions to address sexual harassment. GRI 405 (Diversity and Equal Opportunity) and 406 (Non-Discrimination) relate to non-discrimination, including indicators of freedom of association and corrective actions. GRI 103 mandates disclosure of management approaches to social issues, such as workplace diversity and non-discrimination. Companies in the agricultural industry need to prioritize these standards to protect women who are especially vulnerable to harassment and abuse.
On this International Women’s Day, it is important to recognize that women play a vital role in sustainability efforts. Protecting women’s rights in our workplaces and homes is crucial to achieving a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable future for all.
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