Workplace sexual harassment victims asked for recommendations to make workplaces safer
The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is calling on people with experiences of workplace sexual harassment to come forward in a new landmark project that aims to prevent similar cases in the future.
The Speaking from Experience project, launched on Tuesday, invites individuals who have been sexually harassed to talk about what they think needs to change to make workplaces safer.
According to the AHRC, contributions to the project will help the development of resources that will provide understanding on what drives workplace harassment, prevention strategies, and the importance of survivor-centred responses.
The project will also address critical issues surrounding the matter, such as cultural and legal advocacy, the use of non-disclosure agreements, and systemic discrimination faced by marginalised workers.
Who can participate in the project?
Sex Discrimination Commissioner Anna Cody said the project is a "pivotal step" in the country's efforts in preventing workplace sexual harassment and promoting safer and more inclusive workplaces.
"By listening to people who have been sexually harassed at work, we can drive meaningful change and create workplaces where everyone feels respected, valued, and safe," Cody said in a statement.
Participation is completely voluntary, according to the AHRC, which is hoping to hear from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers, culturally and racially marginalised workers, young workers, workers with disability, and LBGQTI+ workers.
"These groups are disproportionately targeted by perpetrators to be sexually harassed at work," Cody said.
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Participants can submit written or audio recommendations to a new web portal on the AHRC website, according to the commission. In-person consultations, which will start this week in Perth, will also be held for the "disproportionately targeted" groups.
The project's launch satisfies the Recommendation 27 of the Respect@Work report, which is a national inquiry on sexual harassment across Australia released in 2020.
Recommendation 27 called for a disclosure process that will hear and document the experiences of victims of workplace sexual harassment with a view of promoting recovery.