A Director at Wise for Africa, Advocate Brenda Madumise says sexual harassment is normally used by those in power to illicit something from a victim.
Madumise says companies are expected to draw up sexual harassment policies to maintain professional boundaries.
She says workplace policies help prevent misunderstandings and conflict by providing clear standards on issues such as workplace ethics.
“We cannot use our power to demand favours from those who are powerless. Even those who are seeking employment are coming into an organisation looking for employment but for you to get that position, you must do certain things, you must do some sexual acts and that’s the nature of this kind of harassment it is a quid pro quo thing – do something for me and I’ll do something for you. And in most instances, and I want to emphasize this point, it’s used by those who have got the power.”
Sexual harassment in the workplace and how best to maintain professional boundaries: Adv. Madumise
