Robson Mhandu & Sexual Harassment in the Media
Sexual harassment is a pervasive problem in the media industry in Zimbabwe and Africa.
According to a survey conducted by Women in News, one in two women has suffered sexual harassment in the workplace in Africa. The study was conducted in eight African countries, including Zimbabwe, and had 584 respondents.
The research found that women stay silent because of a fear of retaliation and a lack of faith that their organizations will do anything about their reports.
ZBC's Robson Mhandu in Sexual Harassment Storm
The media industry is not immune to the effects of patriarchy, poverty, high unemployment rates, nepotism, and partisanship.
These factors exacerbate the scourge of sexual harassment in the workplace.
Patriarchy, for instance, creates an environment where men are seen as superior to women and can use their power to harass women.
Poverty and high unemployment rates also contribute to the problem as women are often forced to take jobs they would not otherwise take to make ends meet.
Nepotism and partisanship also play a role as they create an environment where people are hired based on who they know rather than their qualifications.
It is important for media organizations to take action against sexual harassment in the workplace. Organizations should have clear policies on sexual harassment and provide training for staff on sexual harassment.
They should also ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions and that victims are protected from retaliation.
Sexual harassment is a serious problem in the media industry in Zimbabwe and Africa. Factors such as patriarchy, poverty, high unemployment rates, nepotism, and partisanship exacerbate the scourge.
Robson Mhandu & Sexual Harassment in the Media
It is important for media organizations to take action against sexual harassment by having clear policies on sexual harassment, providing training for staff on sexual harassment, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions, and protecting victims from retaliation.
What is sexual harassment?
Some examples of sexual harassment in the workplace include:
- Unwanted touching or physical contact
- Making sexual comments or jokes
- Asking for sex in exchange for a benefit or a favor
- Repeatedly asking for dates and not taking “no” for an answer
- Demanding hugs
- Using rude or insulting language or making comments toward women.
It is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list and that sexual harassment can take many other forms.
It is also important to remember that sexual harassment is illegal in many countries, including the United States and Zimbabwe.
What should I do when I have experienced sexual harassment
If you are sexually harassed, it is important to know that you are not alone and that there are steps you can take to protect yourself.
Here are some things you can do if you experience sexual harassment:
Speak up
If you feel comfortable, tell the person who is harassing you that their behavior is unwelcome and that it needs to stop. If you don’t feel comfortable confronting the person directly, consider talking to someone in a position of authority, such as a supervisor or human resources representative.
Document the harassment
Keep a record of any incidents of harassment, including the date, time, location, and what was said or done. This information may be useful if you decide to file a complaint.
File a complaint
If the harassment continues or if you feel uncomfortable confronting the person directly, consider filing a complaint with your employer or with the relevant authorities. Many companies have policies in place to deal with sexual harassment complaints.
Seek support
Sexual harassment can be traumatic and may have long-lasting effects on your mental health. Consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor who can help you process your feelings and develop coping strategies.
Know your rights
It is important to know your legal rights when it comes to sexual harassment. In Zimbabwe, for example, sexual harassment is illegal under the Labour Act. You have the right to work in an environment free from sexual harassment.
Remember that sexual harassment is never your fault and that there are people who can help you. Don’t be afraid to speak up and seek support if you need it.
Robson Mhandu & Sexual Harassment in the Media
Is sexual harassment punishable in Zimbabwe?
Sexual harassment is illegal in Zimbabwe under the Labour Act.
The penalties for sexual harassment include:
Cessation of the unfair labor practice
If an employer finds that there has been a breach of its code of conduct and that there has been harassment of a sexual nature, it can decide on what penalty to impose.
Compensation
In a recent decision, the High Court set out guidelines for the assessment of compensation for sexual harassment. The amount of compensation awarded depends on several factors, including the nature, extent, duration, and seriousness or intensity of the injury to feelings; the subjective circumstances and gender of the victim and perpetrator; the power dynamics or power relations and socioeconomic imbalances between the victim and perpetrator; the age difference between the victim and perpetrator; and the pattern of behavior or conduct of the perpetrator before or after the wrongful act.
Criminal sanction
Sexual harassment is also a criminal offense in Zimbabwe. The law provides for options of fine, imprisonment, and community service depending on the severity of the offense.
It is important to note that sexual harassment is a serious offense that can have long-lasting effects on victims. If you are sexually harassed, it is important to know that you are not alone and that there are steps you can take to protect yourself.
Consider speaking up, documenting the harassment, filing a complaint, seeking support, and knowing your legal rights.
