Employers urged to curb harassment at workplace

Employers in Tanzania have been urged to establish strong systems to prevent and address sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (PSEAH) in the workplace. This call was made during a capacity-building session for non-governmental organisations in Ilemela District, Mwanza Region. The session aimed to strengthen reporting mechanisms, promote accountability and ensure survivors access appropriate services and support. The training was conducted through Forum Theatre, organised by Tanzania Bora Initiative (TBI) in collaboration with the Embassy of Switzerland in Tanzania and Kuckuck Production.

The training was part of an interactive theatre project designed to raise awareness about sexual harassment and ways of preventing it at workplaces. TBI Gender Specialist, Ms Sima Bateyunga, said Forum Theatre was chosen because sexual harassment is a sensitive issue that can be difficult to identify and address. Many people misunderstand sexual harassment, thinking it means sexual violence, when in fact, even making inappropriate comments in the workplace can constitute sexual harassment. This method allows for a more engaging and effective way to address the issue.

Ms Bateyunga highlighted the consequences of harassment, which can result in employees quitting their jobs, reduced morale and productivity, sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancies, loss of income and damage to institutional reputations. Employers are required to provide safe working environments and establish accessible reporting mechanisms, including workplace policies, regulations and committees dedicated to handling harassment complaints. This is crucial in preventing and addressing PSEAH in the workplace.

To effectively address harassment, Ms Bateyunga suggested that offices should have a special committee responsible for handling these issues or a suggestion box through which people can provide feedback and report incidents. She stressed that complaints should be investigated and appropriate action taken. This ensures that perpetrators are held accountable and that the workplace remains safe for all employees.

Senior Adviser on Family, Health and Gender Issues, Dr Katanta Simwanza, said the programme would be rolled out nationally after stakeholders in various regions receive capacity-building training. The target groups include religious leaders, students, NGOs and public officials. Dr Simwanza noted that harassment can affect performance, productivity, morale and personal development while causing psychological and health problems.

Dr Simwanza, a specialist in preventing workplace violence, emphasised that sexual harassment can affect both women and men and occur in workplaces, schools and colleges. The programme aims to increase awareness, encourage dialogue and promote collective action to prevent sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment in workplaces. This is a critical step towards creating a safer and more supportive work environment.

Participants, including Mr Marco Samson and Ms Irine Amani, welcomed the training, saying it had improved their understanding of how harassment occurs, how to report it and measures that can be taken to prevent it. They called for special workplace committees and dedicated teams to protect complainants from retaliation and ensure cases are properly handled. The Forum Theatre initiative is part of a regional programme aimed at promoting collective action to prevent PSEAH in workplaces.

Key points

• Employers in Tanzania must establish strong systems to prevent and address sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment in the workplace.
• A national programme will be rolled out to increase awareness and promote collective action to prevent PSEAH in workplaces.
• Special workplace committees and dedicated teams are needed to protect complainants and ensure cases are properly handled.