At a forum addressing sexual harassment in the workplace, experts highlighted the significant cultural barriers that prevent victims in Sri Lanka from coming forward. The event, organized by USAID-funded Verité Research in collaboration with the Women’s Policy Action Network, shed light on the deep-rooted societal stigmas that continue to silence victims and impede justice.
Women’s Policy Action Network Chair Dr. Roshan Perera opened the discussion with a poignant observation.
“Despite progress in awareness, the cultural stigma attached to reporting sexual harassment remains a formidable barrier. Victims often face societal backlash, deterring them from seeking justice,” she stated, emphasizing the need for a cultural shift to support survivors.
Perear was speaking on December 4 at the launch of the report on ‘Sexual Harassment at the Workplace: Overcoming Barriers to Justice’.
Verité Research Head of Legal Research and Business Development Nishana Weerasooriya presented a comprehensive study on the issue.
The research revealed that cultural norms, fear of judgment, and victim-blaming attitudes significantly hinder victims from reporting workplace harassment. Vasura’s findings underscored the urgency of addressing these cultural obstacles.
“Victims of sexual harassment are often trapped in a culture of silence,” Weerasooriya said.
“They are discouraged by fears of being blamed, shamed, or not believed. This societal mindset needs to change for effective legal and social reforms to take root.”
Dr. Perera and Weerasooriya then shifted the focus to innovative approaches for preventing workplace sexual harassment.
They emphasized the need for proactive strategies that go beyond traditional reporting mechanisms.
“It’s essential to create an environment where respect and dignity are the norms,” Dr. Perera stated.
“Preventative measures should include comprehensive training programs and workshops that address gender sensitivity and bystander intervention.”
Weerasooriya highlighted the importance of empowering employees through education.
“Awareness and understanding of what constitutes harassment, along with training on how to respond, are critical. We need to equip our workforce with the knowledge and tools to identify and prevent harassment,” she explained.
The discussion also touched upon the role of technology in combatting workplace harassment.
Weerasooriya suggested the implementation of anonymous reporting tools and apps that can provide victims a safe platform to report incidents without fear of direct confrontation or stigma.
Dr. Perera called for a collaborative approach involving various stakeholders. “It’s not just a workplace issue; it’s a societal one. We need to involve educational institutions, NGOs, government bodies, and private organizations in a concerted effort to change the narrative around sexual harassment,” she said.
The forum concluded with a consensus on the need for a multi-faceted approach to tackle the issue. (TP)
