Statistics in report shocking – Chandar
THE statistics released in a research report on the prevalence and impact of sexual harassment on female journalists in Fiji is shocking and alarming, says FijiLive editor Reginald Chandar.
Responding to the “Prevalence and Impact of Sexual Harassment on Female Journalists: A Fiji Case Study” report launched by the University of the South Pacific journalism program and the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement, he said if they were to believe what was published in the report, then immediate action was needed to address the issue.
He said his organisation had not experienced any such case as yet.
“But if it is really happening in the industry then the leaders and decision-makers have to step in to ensure that female journalists are protected and provided a safe working environment where there is trust, care and respect,” he said.
Chandra said they had relevant policies in place to deal with work related issues.
“We do not condone any form of harassment and have relevant policies to deal with work related issues.
“We’ve always encouraged equal participation and empower women members in our teams to strive for the best and ensure they are given all possible support to excel in their career.
“We have in-house trainings regarding all human resource management issues and our staff members are well aware of all policies in the workplace including those on sexual harassment. We believe in gender equality and women empowerment and are always ready to take immediate action if we do come across any situation where one of our staff is harassed in any way.”
He said despite not reporting any such cases as of yet, they engaged the services of professional counsellors and had mentors in the organisation who worked with staff members who were facing any kind of issues and provided them with timely advice and the much needed motivation and support.
“It is very encouraging and timely to see the Fijian Media Association work towards forming a Women in Media Association which will look after the interests of all female journalists in the country and provide all kind of support and assistance to them.”
The report showed that the level of harassment at both the workplace and in the reporting field for female journalists was high with up to two-thirds reporting incidents occurring at least sometimes.