Latest update April 19th, 2024 12:59 AM
May 06, 2019 News
Sexual harassment by definition is the unwelcome verbal, visual, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature committed against someone in a severe or pervasive manner, which affects working their conditions or creates a hostile work in their environment.
Although Guyana has certain laws in place to protect women and other vulnerable groups against all forms of discrimination, efforts to implement policies to guard against sexual harassment are often overlooked.
A recent report prepared by the Women and Gender Equality Commission (WGEC) highlighted that there is sexual harassment in workplaces and no policy or laws specifically directed at this heinous act perpetrated against all genders, especially women.”
The report outlined that the constitution is often overlooked in discussion on women’s rights. The document noted that sections of the law clearly state that sexual harassment at the work place is forbidden…Officers who engage in sexual harassment are liable to disciplinary action, including dismissal.
Further Section 8 of the Prevention of Discrimination Act Chapter 99:09 states that “Any act of sexual harassment against an employee committed by an employer, managerial employee or co-worker shall constitute unlawful discrimination based on sex within the meaning of Section 4 of this Act.”
As such, WGEC noted that provision should be included in all employment situations. Meanwhile, the report outlined that while Guyana has shown significant leadership by introducing laws that protect women, there is little point in having a progressive legal framework if magistrates, judges, police officers and public officials lack the resources to identify, arrest, try convict and punish offenders or if the criminal justice system does not provide genuine opportunities for rehabilitation of the offenders or for any form of restorative justice for women. The WGEC is not the only organization that has highlighted of sexual harassment in the workplace.
President of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), Coretta McDonald, highlighted struggles faced by women in the fight to achieve gender equality in the workplace.
Addressing the crowds at the annual Labour Day Rally held at the National Park, last Wednesday, the trade unionist declared that now is the time to change the “unacceptable norm”.
McDonald had previously noted that the work and struggles of the male gender often overshadow the issues faced by women in the labour spheres.
According to McDonald, while women account for a significant portion of the labour force, issues facing them are often brushed aside.
“There is hardly any mention made of the females and their struggles; it is as if they do not exist.”
In her capacity as Leader of the GTUC, McDonald is seeking to shed more light on women’s and labour issues. She called on her male counterparts to take heed and move towards addressing the cries of women in the workplace.
“We must create the platform for the empowering of the women and youth. We must continue to promote gender equality, while we continue to advocate for improved working conditions for our women and youths.
We must continue to promote gender equality and continue the call for improved working conditions and eliminate the sexual and other forms of harassment in the workplaces,” McDonald stated.
She said that the Union has received a number of complaints about sexual harassment from females, particularly those employed by private security firms.
McDonald called on Unions to work in tandem with law enforcement, politicians and other stakeholders to help reduce the issues of sexual harassment in the workplace.
The GTUC President emphasised the need for policies, which will protect workers from any forms of harassment, regardless of their gender.
Where is the BETTER MANAGEMENT/RENEGOTIATION OF THE OIL CONTRACTS you promised Jagdeo?
Apr 19, 2024
SportsMax – West Indies Women’s captain Hayley Matthews delivered a stellar all-round performance to lead her team to a commanding 113-run victory over Pakistan Women in the first One Day...Kaieteur News – For years, the disciples of Bharrat Jagdeo have woven a narrative of economic success during his tenure... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Waterfalls Magazine – On April 10, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]