Research suggests harassment policies Patriachy a problem ‘beyond newsroom’
A RESEARCH report on the prevalence and impact of sexual harassment on female journalists in Fiji has recommended for all media organisation to require its staff to sign a declaration indicating that they would abide by the organisational sexual harassment policy.
Launched by the University of the South Pacific Journalism program and the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement, the ‘Prevalence and Impact of Sexual Harassment on Female Journalists: A Fiji Case Study’ report stated this should be included in the contracts of all new staff to put their signatures.
“It is recommended that media organisations require that all staff read the sexual harassment policy and sign a declaration confirming that they had read the document, understand it, and agree to comply with its requirements,” the report stated.
The report stated these measures would instil employee awareness and confidence in the sexual harassment policy.
“It will demonstrate the organisation’s commitment to addressing the problem.”
The report stated the
THE problem of harassment that many female journalists are subjected to is rooted in a patriarchal society, says the respondents of a research report on the “Prevalence and Impact of Sexual Harassment on Female Journalists: A Fiji Case Study”.
Launched by the University of the South Pacific Journalism first step in breaking the sexual harassment cycle was adopting adequate safety measures.
“It is recommended that all media organisations not only adopt a sexual harassment policy program and the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement on Tuesday, the respondents of the report stated the problem was beyond the newsroom and was rooted in a patriarchal society.
“It starts from how we have been brought up and the mindset that women are inferior to men, and that the woman’s role is that of the homemaker,” a respondent said in the report.
“When they see us out there on but implement it to the fullest.
“The research indicates that one of the root causes of the problem is the victims’ and perpetrators’ lack of awareness about what constitutes sexual the field, reporting on issues, I guess it’s something that bruises their egos.
“They objectify us for pleasure.”
A respondent said everything started from home.
“Young boys must be taught about right and wrong,” she said.
“These responses suggest that sexual harassment could, in part, stem from deeply-rooted attitudes in society and while efforts harassment and its impact.
“In order to break the culture of silence in which sexual harassment thrives, it is recommended that all media organisations create awareness about by individual sectors and organisations to counter the problem is required, the situation also calls for a broader, national campaign,” the report stated.
The report covers both current and former female journalists across print, broadcast and electric media.
It is based on questionnaire survey of 42 respondents and in-depth interviews of 23 respondents. their sexual harassment policies among staff to better understand the problem, its manifestations, its impact on the victims and the protective measures that are in place.”