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| 5/2/08 - Cabinet approves National Policy on Sexual Harrassment in the workplace |
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Cabinet has approved the National Policy on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace under the Employment Relations Promulgation.
Cabinet based its decision on a submission by the Minister for Labour, Industrial Relations, Employment, Local Government, Urban Development and Housing, Mr Lekh Ram Vayeshnoi.
Mr Vayeshnoi explained that sexual harassment in the workplace is a very important and priority issue that has to be effectively addressed in order to ensure quality of work in an environment free of intimidation and sexual harassment, and to enhance productivity.
“As a Member State of the International Labour Organisation ((ILO) and signatory to the UN Convention for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) the draft Policy fulfils Government’s obligations to ensure that every worker should enjoy work and at the end of the day returns home to his or her family with his or her dignity intact.
“It provides one of the grounds on which an employment grievance or dispute can be raised under the ER Promulgation.”
Mr Vayeshnoi said that the operating principles of the national policy include ensuring that all stakeholders associated with a workplace and the community at large are safeguarded against sexual harassment; and ensuring the behaviour appropriate to promoting and ensuring a harassment-free workplace environment is characterised by mutual respect and support.
“It also aims to empower those persons within an organisation who have insufficient power to prevent any form of harassing behaviours from occurring and to support people who feel sexually harassed to find appropriate solutions.
“Conversely, it aims to provide appropriate solutions for those persons who may be accused of sexually harassing other in the workplace.”
Mr Vayeshnoi said that adoption of the National Policy on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace by all relevant stakeholders will ensure that they consciously and deliberately build a positive, respectful and productive working environment.
He added that it is an evolving policy and would be reviewed and amended as and when required.
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No: 0185
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