Empower women at home and workplace
The current tsunami of sexual harassment and assault accusations has overwhelmed newspapers and newsfeeds everywhere. No day passes by without new revelations surfacing and charges being levied against celebrities or men in powerful positions. Sexual harassment and assault against women is not a new or recent phenomenon; what is new, however, is how the sluice gates have opened with accusations against so many influential men in North America, Europe, the subcontinent and beyond.
Yet, this could just be the tip of the iceberg. There are many more women the world over who have faced or are experiencing some form of discrimination, abuse or harassment, but may not feel empowered to open up. I wonder if their stories will ever be heard?
I wonder if these harassment scandals will have very short-lived media interest in the bigger issue of gender inequality and progress of women?
As an advocate of sustainability, I feel it is very important to look at these cases with the lens of global sustainable development. Gender equality, after all, is a fundamental human right, and I believe that the global population can never meet these goals towards creating a better tomorrow if we all are not fair to women and girls around the world. At the workplace, discrimination, harassment or abuse against women can take place in many forms — it could be an unwelcome sexual gesture by a co-worker, or it could result in different salaries/benefits for the same kind of work or position. It could mean facing barriers that affect opportunities for employment or growth, or it could mean access to facilities that are easily available to men, but not to women.
A growing number of businesses are realising the mistake of not being conscious of such a deeply ingrained issue within our society, and are actively taking steps to address gender inequality to promote a workplace that focuses on women empowerment. Nearly a thousand businesses globally endorse the UN-based Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs). These businesses use the seven principles (such as ensuring the health, safety and well-being of all women and male workers; and promoting education, training and professional development for women, and more) to empower women in the workplace and the community.
Unfortunately, these businesses are an exception to the norm. In most countries, cultures, and companies, women are unable to realise their potential and contribute wholeheartedly and if harassed, the women
Employees should be proactive to review workplace policies related to harassment, bullying and discrimination
are usually stigmatised or looked down upon.
It is no surprise then that a study by Dubai Police showed that 80 per cent of women who experience harassment — physical or verbal — do not report it.
To ensure protection of all its residents, the UAE Penal Code devotes a special section for harassment related crimes. Indecent assault or verbal harassment is punishable by imprisonment for a year. This is in addition to a fine of Dh10,000. The duration of imprisonment, in case a woman is touched, can go up to a maximum of 15 years. Rape attracts death penalty. The Dubai Police also has a very useful service called Al Ameen (800-4888), which is a 24-hour hotline to lodge such complaints.
Legal provisions and services such as these should give women, or anyone who is harassed, the confidence to speak up against abuse. Employees should be proactive to request and review workplace policies related to harassment, bullying and discrimination. The role of business leaders should be to ensure that such policies and practices exist in their companies, and managers are trained to deal with discrimination and harassment related allegations in an effective way.
Gender equality is an extremely necessary corporate obligation, and I urge all businesses and business leaders to educate themselves on this fundamental human right.