Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse (SHEA) cast a long shadow over workplaces worldwide, undermining the safety and dignity of countless women. In Ghana, ActionAid Ghana, in collaboration with the Coalition for Maternal Health and Citizen Empowerment (CMCE) and the Young Urban Women Movement (YUWM), recently took a crucial step towards addressing this pervasive issue. A sensitization workshop in Kenyasi, Ahafo region, brought together women to empower them against SHEA, emphasizing the critical need for understanding and combating workplace harassment to foster a safe and equitable environment for all. This initiative underscores the importance of initiatives to protect women from harm and provides resources for victims of sexual harassment. The workshop is part of an ongoing effort by ActionAid Ghana and its partners to promote women’s rights and gender equality.

According to Mahama Salam, Executive Director of CMCE, sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse in the workplace encompass a range of behaviors that infringe upon fundamental human rights. These include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, offensive, or hostile work environment. Mr. Mahama cautioned against actions such as “snatching partners” and exchanging favors, highlighting how such behaviors distort cordial relationships between employers, female workers, and co-workers. The consequences of SHEA can be devastating, leading to psychological, emotional, and economic harm for victims.

ActionAid Ghana and its partners are actively working to combat SHEA through various sensitization efforts and workshops. The recent workshop in Kenyasi, Ahafo region, targeted apprentices and masters from the Asutifi North and South districts, providing them with essential knowledge about ILO Convention 190 and the SHEA policy. CMCE brings its expertise on maternal health and citizen empowerment to the table, while YUWM focuses on mobilizing young urban women and raising awareness about their rights and available resources. These collaborative efforts aim to create a comprehensive support system for women facing sexual harassment.

ILO Convention 190, also known as the Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019, is a landmark international treaty that recognizes violence and harassment in the workplace as human rights violations. It promotes a zero-tolerance environment and facilitates prevention measures to ensure the safety and well-being of workers. As Nana Kwabena Sarpong, Asutifi North District Labour Officer, stated, the convention protects a wide range of individuals, including persons in training (interns and apprentices), workers whose employment has been terminated, volunteers, jobseekers, and individuals exercising employer responsibilities. ActionAid Ghana is actively campaigning for the ratification of ILO C190, emphasizing the importance of creating a violence-free working environment for all.

The Young Urban Women Movement (YUWM) plays a crucial role in raising awareness and mobilizing women to combat gender-based violence. According to Matilda Asare, YUWM’s efforts have reached over 150 people, increasing their understanding of gender-based violence and available reporting mechanisms. The movement has also mobilized over 500 young women through outreach and social media, providing them with a platform to share their experiences and advocate for change. YUWM’s activities extend beyond awareness campaigns, encompassing breast cancer awareness and screening, capacity-building training, and livelihood skills training for community groups. These initiatives empower women to take control of their lives and build a more secure future.

Despite their significant impact, YUWM faces several challenges, including inadequate funding that limits the scope of their programs. Sustainability is also a concern, as the movement relies heavily on ongoing support from ActionAid. Looking ahead, YUWM plans to expand its efforts by focusing on education and awareness creation on SRHR/HIV/AIDS for selected schools and movement members, as noted by Mrs. Asare. These initiatives underscore the importance of continued investment in women’s empowerment programs to ensure their long-term success.

Reporting sexual harassment is a critical step towards holding perpetrators accountable and creating a safer workplace. Mr. Mahama urged victims to report incidents to appropriate authorities such as the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DoVVSU) and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ). These organizations are equipped to investigate and prosecute cases of sexual harassment, providing legal and psychological support to victims. In addition to formal reporting mechanisms, various resources and support systems are available to women who have experienced SHEA, including counseling services, legal aid, and women’s rights organizations.

The workshop organized by ActionAid Ghana and its partners represents a significant stride towards empowering women against sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse in the workplace. By fostering awareness, providing education, and advocating for the ratification of ILO Convention 190, these initiatives contribute to the creation of safer and more equitable work environments. As Faustina Enyonam, speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, emphasized, such efforts are enlightening and essential in safeguarding against sexual harassment. Sustained support and funding are paramount to ensuring the continued success and expansion of these programs, enabling all women to work with dignity and safety. Consider supporting ActionAid Ghana and similar organizations to further their mission and helping to protect yourself from workplace sexual harassment by reporting it.