The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is asking survivors what needs to change to stop workplace sexual harassment.
To do this, the AHRC will be hosting consultations in Melbourne this week to centre the voices of people with lived experience in workplace sexeual harassment reform.
The project is called Speaking from Experience and calls for people who have been sexually harassed at work to share what they think needs to change, with the AHRC saying these voices will shape future best practices for prevention and response to workplace sexual harassment.
This includes addressing critical issues such as existing cultural and legal advocacy, the use of non-disclosure agreements, and systemic discrimination faced by marginalised workers.
Speaking from Experience is Recommendation 27 of the Respect@Work report, which places a a positive duty on employers to take reasonable and proportionate measures to eliminate sex discrimination, sexual harassment and victimisation, as far as possible.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected at work,” says Sex Discrimination Commissioner Dr Anna Cody, who will lead the consults.
“Survivors of sexual harassment have invaluable insights into the challenges and solutions needed to create safer workplaces and this is their chance to have their say.”
The AHRC is aiming to hear from all survivors, especially Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers, culturally and racially marginalised workers, young workers, workers with disability and LBGQTI+ workers.
“These groups are disproportionately targeted by perpetrators to be sexually harassed at work,” says Dr Cody.
While the in-person consultations are being held across Australia until the end of September this year, there’s also a web portal on the Commission’s website where people who have been sexually harassed at work can submit written or audio submissions with their recommendations on what needs to change.
Participation in the project is voluntary and open to all individuals in Australia.
”Speaking from Experience is a pivotal step forward in our collective efforts to prevent workplace sexual harassment and promote safer, more inclusive and diverse workplaces,” says Dr Cody.
“By listening to people who have been sexually harassed at work, we can drive meaningful change and create workplaces where everyone feels respected, valued, and safe.”
In-person consultations will be held in Melbourne from June 11 to June 14. For more information on Speaking from Experience and how to participate, visit this link.