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Being subject to sexual harassment is not part of one’s job description, sexual harassment should never be tolerated.
The above was reaffirmed by Vanuatu Women’s Centre (VWC) Coordinator, Tatavola Matas.
Ms Matas made the statement as the General Manager (GM) of the Vanuatu National Provident Fund (VNPF), Parmod Achary, is currently facing a number of counts on charges of Act of Indecency without Consent with allegations that sometime between 2020 and 2021 on multiple occasions, he allegedly harassed three of his female staff.
This recent news has not fallen on deaf ears as the VWC Coordinator steps forward to encourage women to speak out and denounce such actions such as being subject to sexual harassment is not\
“Any form of sexual harassment should never be tolerated, even if it is done by a person you know, co-worker, or those in positions of authority in the workplace,” she said.
“A lot of times victims are afraid to report as it might affect their job security, working condition and the benefits that come with having a secured job. However, women must remember that being subject to sexual harassment is not part of one’s job description, and so sexual harassment should ever be tolerated.”
Ms Matas adds that it is also important to note that as responsible employers, any employer has a duty of care towards its employees. This includes the responsibility for the health and safety of everyone in the workplace, including women.
“As such it is important that employers have relevant policies and robust procedures to address issues such as sexual harassment so that women feel safe enough to make a report If they are being sexually harassed in the workplace or anywhere else” she says.
Source: Vanuatu Daily Post