SEXUAL HARASSMENT AT WORK: THE TOPICALITY AND THE INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSES (based on the results of empirical research)

Abstract

Background . Relevance. The phenomenon of sexual harassment has been recognized globally as a significant social problem that requires a comprehensive solution (Gallup, 2022). Different countries are implementing measures for counteracting and minimizing the negative consequences of this phenomenon. That indicates an active response to modern challenges in the context of protecting individual rights and freedoms. In the course of global efforts to alleviate sexual harassment, Ukraine is incorporating international experience and adapting most efficient legal, social and educational frameworks, thus demonstrating national strategies towards creating a safe and just society. Notwithstanding the fact that sexual harassment rather frequently occurs in the professional environment, there is a significant lack of publicity about such incidents. An analysis of previous studies (Martsenyuk, 2008) and legal acts related to sexual harassment (Fedkovych et al., 2006) indicates that there are neither unified approach to defining sexual harassment at work, nor clear legal mechanisms of sufferers' protection. We also can observe deficiency of precise research methods on subject. It becomes crucial to gain knowledge about the prevailing types of violence and harassment in the workplace, and to identify the groups of people most at risk and analyze the reasons for their vulnerability.
The purpose of this article is to analyze the experience of individuals who have faced sexual harassment in the professional environment, to assess the availability and effectiveness of institutional mechanisms for responding to such incidents in organizations and by government agencies.

Methods . To achieve the goal, the authors initiated online survey in August – September 2023 with the participation of the Sociological Center "Pulse", the NGO "Culture of Democracy" in cooperation with the "Coalition 1325. Odesa Region" with the support of the Ukrainian Women's Fund. The participants of the survey represented healthcare, education, state and local administrations, police, law enforcement agencies, military personnel, etc. In order to form a corpus of responses were used the methods of selecting "typical representatives"; in case to avoid the pre-notion in the survey an anonymous online format was chosen. The survey was conducted using the "river sampling" technique. The questionnaire was filled out only by those who wanted to share their experiences.

Results . The results of the survey provide an initial idea of the relevance of the problem of sexual harassment and the main forms of harassment at work, the importance of alleviation of the phenomenon at legislative level, as well as an idea of organizations (institutions) could play a leading role in deterioration of sexual harassment at work. The data obtained provide an opportunity for practical application of the research findings, contribute to the development and implementation of effective strategies to preventing sexual harassment in various areas of professional activity. The expected results of this study are: raising the awareness of the nature of sexual harassment at work identifying for future research's areas.

Сonclusions . The study was an important step in identifying and discussing the problem of sexual harassment at work, indicating the need for further measures to deal with the problem. The conclusions could be as an important step in the development of more effective gender policies and public governance aimed at combating sexual harassment in the workplace.