How can a subordinate handle sexual harassment?

I once quit an internship job that could have led to a big opportunity because of the boss’ unprofessionalism. The boss withheld my appointment letter, and would invite me for drinks in clubs in the name of the letter, which i never got. I became frustrated and after about four weeks, left. How would i have handled such an issue? Clare

Dear Clare,
It is painful to become a victim of sexual harassment over what is supposed to be yours by right. Sexual abuse or harassment is defined as the unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favours and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature conducted implicitly or explicitly and affects the individuals employment unreasonably. Section 7 of the Employment Act of 2006, makes it a criminal offence for anybody to make unwanted advances as defined above. Sexual harassment occurs when individuals in authority (mostly men but lately reports have implicated women) using their offices to gain sexual favours over those they have influence over in workplaces while dangling promises which in most cases never materialise.

Sexual harassment is a crime perpetrated undercover and the best defence for any victim is to collect evidence. Its important to bear in mind that the perpetrators are powerful individuals and know how to cover their tracks well. So the victim has to be smart enough to employ technology to gather evidence while avoiding getting caught. Cases have actually come up where the victims of sexual harassment have collected the evidence, submitted it to authorities only for the tables to turn and they are branded blackmailers.

Therefore, elaborate care should be taken when fighting this vice. My advice is to involve a friend if the perpetrator invited you for such outings like clubs and they help you record the proceedings. They would also provide credible evidence during investigations of the sexual harassment cases.

Moses Ssesanga
Head Human Resource
NMG - Uganda
[email protected]