Zero tolerance for sexual harassment and abuse of authority in workplace

March 19, 2019

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United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Bangladesh launched a year-long campaign against sexual harassment and abuse of authority for its staff members on March 18, 2019 to adopt a zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment in workplace.

A recent online survey said that one third of UN staff and contractors experienced sexual harassment globally in the past two years, which came amid the wider MeToo movement around the world against sexual harassment and assault.

In a letter to all UN staff, secretary general, Antonio Guterres, said “As an organisation founded on equality, dignity and human rights, we must lead by example and set the standard. The prevention of sexual violence must remain one of our highest priorities.”

In line with that, UNDP Bangladesh launched this campaign as part of celebrating this year’s International Women’s Day and to raise awareness among the staff on sexual harassment and abuse of authority. 

During the launch, Kyoko Yokosuka, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh said “The campaign that we have launched today marks the inauguration of a support mechanism that can help employees identify and report instances of harassment in workplace.”

Sharmin Islam, Women’s Economic Empowerment Specialist and the Gender focal at UNDP Bangladesh said, “We want to encourage gender-sensitive dialogue, and create a safe space for all our colleagues, regardless of their gender identity and sexual orientation.”

Sudipto Mukherjee, Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh said, “We will not tolerate any kind of harassment or mistreatment of colleagues based on gender, sexual orientation, religion, or any other reasons.” He also stressed on the fact the reporting platform should not be misused.

UNDP Bangladesh staff marked the launch of this campaign through selfies displaying their messages of commitment to stopping sexual harassment in workplace.