Oga Lecturersexually harassed By Fatimah Quadri
WHILE the term “sexual harassment” is quite common, many people, including survivors, are sometimes unsure of the factors that constitute it and do not know when they are being sexually harassed.
According to human resource management organisation SHRM, sexual harassment can be classified into two, namely, quid pro quo and hostile environment.
Sexual harassment is classified as quid pro quo when it occurs in a this-for-that situation. This may include sex for grades, appointments and jobs, among others. This means that the perpetrator demands sex in return for something they have to offer or a service they render.
It falls under hostile environment when the victim is in a constant state of fear or uneasiness. This situation is mostly difficult to document, making it hard to make a report or case of sexual harassment
Sexual harassment is not limited to sexual gestures, as it can further be categorised into physical, psychological and economic.
Here are a few ways to identify sexual harassment:
Force/Compulsion
This is the most common form of sexual harassment that takes place in schools and workplaces, among others. This can also occur when an individual in a position of power withholds benefits accruing to the victim, such as grades, assignments, appointments, promotions and others.
Physical touch does not have to occur before force/compulsion is established. It can also include forcing a student to participate in sexualised bullying, dancing, wear ing of skimpy clothes, or adoption of degrading physical positions in which they are not comfortable.
Constant anxiety
Being in a state of fear or worry when a particular lecturer, course mate, superior or colleague is in your space might be an indication of sexual harassment, especially when there have been previous cases of tolerating sexual behaviour.
Additionally, if you are afraid of reporting discomfort, sexualised messages, or inappropriate sexual behaviour to someone who is responsible and likely to take action because of retaliation from the party involved, you are being sexually harassed.
Sexualised jokes, lewd conversations
While jokes might seem harmless at first glance, constant sharing of sexualised jokes that make a person uncomfortable also connotes sexual harassment.
If the jokes are also demeaning to an individual based on their sex, sexual orientation or belief, it is also a form of sexual harassment.
Unwanted sexual attention/gestures
Constant remarks about appearance, including compliments, insults, or a particular mannerism that is sexual and peculiar to a course mate, lecturer or colleague, can amount to sexual harassment if they make an individual uncomfortable.
Gestures used to imply sexual actions that make someone uncomfortable because of their sexual orientation are not just impolite and disrespectful; regardless of the target of the gestures, they also constitute sexual harassment.
Touching/Tapping
If you are being brushed on specific body parts constantly by the other party(s), always claiming that it was a mistake or unintentional, then you are most likely being sexually harassed.
Unsolicited touches such as shoulder massages, hugs, holding of hands, standing or sitting close or taking too much of a person’s space, among other actions, also constitute sexual harassment.
If you have experienced any of these or related actions, and you’re not sure whether to term it as sexual harassment or not, reach us at @ogalecturer for support on any of our social media handles.