Sexual Harassment At The Workplace Against Female Doctors, An Impediment To Gender Equality

Abstract

Background: There are diflerent forms of violence against women which include domestic violence, sexual violence (rape) and scxual harassment at the workplace. Sometime negative things occur at the workplace. The United Nations Development Fund for women defines sexual harassment as unwelcome or unwanted verbal conduct based on sex or of a sexual nature, the acceptance or rejection of which affects an individual's employment. This even occurs amongst doctors. Workers especially women are harassed verbally, psychologically, physically and sexually especially by senior colleagues.

Aims/Objectives: To investigate the occurrence of Sexual Harassment at the Workplace Place, measures and strategics to prevent it, and existence of policies on Sexual Harasament at the Workplace Place among female doctors.

Methodology: This is a pilot study conducted in 2013 during an international forum for female doctors. It is across sectional survey in which an 18-item questionnaire was used. Participation was voluntary.

Results: The survey consisted of thirty-three female doctors from eight countries. Respondents that have been sexually harassed at the workplace are 9 (27.27%), in the form of verbal, unwanted torch, gestures and rape. Six (18.18%) of respondents have been shown items of sexual nature at the workplace, 4 (12.12%) have received SMS and email from someone at work which are sexual in nature, 16 (48.48%) aware of policies and a reporting system for sexual harassment. Eight (24.24%) of respondents who reported sexual harassment faced retaliation. Employment decisions or benefits were tied to sexual harassment by some respondents.

Conclusion: Sexual harassment which is a menace at the workptace exists and doctors are affected. Not all health facilities have policies and a reporting system against it.