Mangaliso Kabulika
THE Founder of Ladies of Alliance Zimbabwe, Lynet Balukho, has called for a more inclusive conversation on sexual harassment, which recognises that it is not just a women’s issue.
She said men can also be victims but are often less likely to report incidents due to fear of stigma or appearing weak.
Balukho has called for more comprehensive policies which cover all forms of sexual harassment and are continuously reviewed and amended.
“It is also important to recognise that sexual harassment is not just a women’s issue. While women are disproportionately affected, men and can also be victims.
“By acknowledging that sexual harassment can affect anyone, we can create a more inclusive conversation and ensure that everyone has access to the support they need.
“By doing so, we can foster an environment where everyone feels safe and respected, ultimately working towards a society free from harassment.
“Many organisations, companies and educational institutions have policies and procedures in place to address sexual harassment.
“However, there are a number of limitations to these policies, many policies are not well-enforced and they may not be known or understood by all staff and students.
“Additionally, policies often focus on formal, legal processes, rather than on the more informal, social dynamics that can contribute to sexual harassment,” said Balukho.
She said some of these policies were not comprehensive, and do not cover all forms of sexual harassment, such as online harassment or bullying.