The OGBL’s findings indicate that 19% of those surveyed reported that they had been a victim of sexual harassment. Nearly half (46%) said they had been at the receiving end of sexist actions or remarks. Photo: Shutterstock.

The OGBL’s findings indicate that 19% of those surveyed reported that they had been a victim of sexual harassment. Nearly half (46%) said they had been at the receiving end of sexist actions or remarks.  Photo: Shutterstock.

One in five women participating in a study by trade union OGBL reported being a victim of sexual harassment at work while efforts by employers to alleviate such issues remain marginal.

In the framework of Orange Week launched on 20 November 2021 to raise awareness on issues faced by women, the OGBL conducted a survey in which 684 women, members of the trade union, took part. The aim of the study, carried out anonymously, was to evaluate the extent of sexual harassment and sexism in the workplace, perceived by women.

All sectors of professional activity were represented by the respondents with the health, social and education sector being the most dominant. Most of the women who took part in the survey were between 26 and 55 years old.

The OGBL’s findings indicate that 19% of those surveyed reported that they had been a victim of sexual harassment. Nearly half (46%) said they had been at the receiving end of sexist actions or remarks.

Subordination plays a key role

When it comes to sexism or sexual harassment, subordination appears to be an important factor in the perpetrators’ motives. In nearly all cases women reported that the person who they had been harassed by or treated differently by due to their gender was either their manager (62%), a colleague (55%) or a client (27%). Only 3% reported being victims of actions by their subordinate.

Being harassed or treated unfairly led to 69% of respondents feeling like resigning either very often, often, or sometimes. The remaining 31% never felt like quitting despite what they were experiencing. Most of the women who took part in the survey (76%) also did not feel they had moral support. Most of the ones who did feel aided list friends, family, spouses, or colleagues as the ones on their side. Only 8% of victims who informed their employer believe that measures were put in place to protect them. Such actions include warnings, confrontation meetings, sanctions, or job relocation. The report states that less frequently the victim herself was removed from her position or dismissed although it doesn’t provide concrete data on that.

A wide array of sexism related issues

Being blocked in their career development was an issue for 41% of respondents to the survey and 29% said that their ideas were not taken into account compared to those of their male colleagues. Comments on their appearance, being subjected to degrading rumours and being touched without their consent were some of the other issues faced by women at the workplace.

The OGBL’s study highlighted tools that victims of sexual harassment and sexism can use such as staff delegation, trade unions, associations, and occupational medical assistance. The trade union also underlined in the presentation of its survey’s result that sexism affects a wider population and both genders.

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