By Agnes Asiimwe
April 4 - 10, 2004
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My issue is sexual harassment at the workplace. Not many people are willing to discuss it, even off record, that�s how sensitive it is. What makes it harder is that it is difficult to prove, most cases occur between two people behind closed doors, there is no evidence, no witnesses, nothing, its one person�s word against the other. Mention sexual harassment and a scenario of a male superior coming on to a female subordinate instantly forms in someone�s mind. If harassment goes together with power, can�t it be a female superior over a male subordinate? Whoever is behind the desk has the opportunity to abuse power. Women too can sexually harass men. In fact, unlike men, they don�t need power to do it. The most common is quid pro quo-the exchange of sexual favours to keep a job, get a promotion, a salary increment, a scholarship, a trip, etc. Usually this form of harassment is actually by a subordinate to a superior. It may be explicit � openly batting and rolling eyes at him, dressing provocatively, visiting his office regularly to �inquire� about something, giving him unnecessary phone calls and getting very suggestive. What a male boss does, a female counterpart is likely to do, like asking a subordinate to stay late, because �there are things to go over�, or requesting for things like �make sure you see me after work or can we discuss this over coffee somewhere. Refusing any of these suggestions means insubordination to the boss. Regardless of their sex, they are both likely to punish harshly for �insubordination� although I strongly feel a woman could be harsher. Women find it rather unnatural if a man doesn�t �lose control� over their advances. Harassed female subordinates are privileged in that they will go around crying foul and looking for sympathy among colleagues. No one bothers to learn the other side of the story. Meanwhile the man�s image is irreparably damaged. There is no more respect from subordinates, he loses friends and allies, he is a subordinate harasser, and no woman wants to stay alone with him for five minutes. Sadly for him, he can�t go explaining his side of the story. In fact, he is the last to know from the office grapevine. I am not saying men don�t harass, majority of harassment claims are brought by women against men. Its true the men usually start it, but not in all cases. Having taken years building their reputation, a man should not be brought down by claims from a woman. It should be closely scrutinised and both stories heard, if possible or if the situation demands. Anyone could be telling a lie. Anyone is a potential harasser. |
� 2004 The Monitor Publications
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