KUCHING: The Sarawak Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development’s proposed policy to combat sexual harassment in workplaces has garnered significant praise and support from various stakeholders.
The comprehensive measures outlined in the policy aim to tackle the pervasive issue of sexual harassment head-on and create an atmosphere of respect and accountability within workplaces across the nation.
Various non-government organisations (NGOs) and individuals, including Manjeet Sidhu, the president of Pertubuhan Pembangunan Insan Sarawak (PPIS), have expressed their strong backing for the proposed policy.
“NGOs will actively promote awareness of the policy, educate employees about their rights, and provide additional support to victims. Acting as watchdogs, these organisations will monitor the implementation of the policy to ensure adherence to guidelines and swift actions against offenders,” Manjeet said on Friday (July 28).
She added that the proposed policy’s multifaceted approach included crucial elements to address and prevent sexual harassment effectively.
“One key component is the establishment of clear and comprehensive guidelines and policies defining sexual harassment, reporting procedures, and the range of actions to be taken against offenders.
“By providing explicit definitions and procedures, the policy aims to ensure clarity and consistency in dealing with harassment cases.
“Recognizing the importance of education, the policy emphasises mandatory training programmes for both employees and employers.
“These workshops will serve as a platform to educate individuals about sexual harassment, its impact, and the various ways to prevent and respond to such incidents.
“Empowering employees and employers with knowledge is seen as a crucial step in fostering a workplace culture that actively prevents harassment.”
To encourage victims to come forward without fear of retaliation, the policy proposed confidential reporting mechanisms. This critical step aims to protect the identity of victims and offers them a safe environment to report harassment incidents.
Additionally, impartial investigations conducted by qualified personnel would ensure transparency and accountability in handling reported cases, reinforcing trust in the system.
The policy also highlighted the importance of enforcing appropriate consequences for offenders. By imposing disciplinary actions, counselling, or even termination based on the severity of the offense, the policy aimed to send a strong message that sexual harassment would not be tolerated.
To effectively implement the system for reporting, investigating, and handling sexual harassment cases, the ministry planned to work closely with employers and organisations.
Through constructive collaboration, the ministry aimed to understand the unique needs and concerns of different workplaces, tailoring policies and procedures accordingly.
Regular evaluations and feedback from employers and employees would help fine-tune the policy, ensuring continuous progress and improvement.
The proposed policy firmly placed support and protection for victims at the forefront. Victim support services, offering counseling and emotional assistance, would be an integral part of the policy to ensure that victims receive the care they need during difficult times.
The policy also emphasized awareness campaigns within workplaces to foster a culture of respect and equality, preventing harassment from occurring in the first place.
Inclusivity is a core aspect of the policy, with a focus on engaging smaller businesses and informal sectors.
Recognising the diverse nature of workplaces, the ministry aimed to provide tailored guidance and resources to suit the specific needs and capacities of different industries and businesses.
Outreach programmes would be instrumental in extending the policy’s reach to these sectors, ensuring that no workplace is left behind.
The proposed policy to address workplace sexual harassment would be a significant and welcome step towards fostering safe and respectful workplaces for all.
By involving multiple stakeholders, including employers, NGOs and individuals, the policy aimed to create a robust framework that combats harassment effectively.
With collaboration and commitment, Malaysia is poised to make a meaningful impact in the fight against sexual harassment at workplaces, fostering a society where dignity and respect prevail.
