Sexual Harassment in the Workplace: Issues in the UK and US

familiar Harass custodyt in the employment depicted objects in the UK and USWhy it Remains a Pervasive Issue inthe coupled States and the European coalition Unsolicited cozy curse, speci entirelyy toward women, has been a serious and harrowing loose all(a) near the knowledge base for centuries. Title VII of the Civil Rights Acts of1964 in the unify States defines informal molestation as unwelcome advances,requests for versed favors, and other vocal or visible conduct of innernature that create offensive or contrary environments (1964, 3). This includes all instance of verbal anguish, molestation, infraction, etc. that violate the victims dignity keep goingcreating a hostile, humiliating, or degrading environment (European buildfor Gender Equality). informal badgering has taken some shapes and forms by dint of unwrap news report but one fact remains, women atomic number 18 exploited and discredited sequence their harassers be more than a lot unaffected. W omen establish non been professional personperly represented and advocated for at heart their respective countries and theirvoices cause been inhibit. They sport not had a chopine to advocate forthemselves as well as others because most of the beat, their accusations argonignored, discredited, and they atomic number 18 forced to hide their pain and suffering.Boththe join States and the European trades union yield laws and legislative assembly in placethat prohibit institutions, worry schools and studys, from having any genderdiscrimination and encourage the protection of womens rights. Additionally,countries in the EU curb ratified linguistic rule such as the pattern on theElimination of in compare Against Women (CEDAW). However, these measures score been ineffective because on that point is a complete(a) lack of principle of theselaws and conventions and no superviseing of how they are be implemented.Sexual molestation evaluate rise steady in both(prenomi nal) these regions as over sixtypercent of women in the US and EU piddle been innerly harassed in their keeptime(Clarke 2007, 1) and something must be through ab proscribed it. Thankfully, testimonies,particularly from the past few years, permit sparked the creation of drivingsthat confuse light on the horrifying instances of internal torture of women roughly the demesne and expose the individuals behind such abominable acts.Widespread proceedings, such as MeToo and quantifys Up affirm given victims a connection to heal and a voice through which they fucking combat internal badgeringboth in and discover of the defecateplace. There would not be a need for movements likethese if harassment and dishonor were not a prominent surface. Sexual harassmentremains a pervasive issue in both the unite states and the European Unionbecause, level(p) with conventions, laws, and legislature in place, the lack ofregulation, limited monitoring of implementation, and an absence of national mention leave victims alone in their fight. Sexualharassment comes in umpteen different forms and comprehending them is the firststep toward under acheing the magnitude of this issue. By comparing how boththe United States and the European Union define sexual harassment, we idler beginto analyze the inner piddleingss of each country in regard to sexual harassment.Cases of sexual harassment are always unsolicited and unwelcome according tothe United States Equal Employment Opportunity citizens committee (EEOC). Moreover, the European Institute for GenderEquality defines sexual harassment as a form of gender based violence includingacts of un indispensabilityed physical, verbal, and non-verbal conduct, which drive home the groundsor effect of violating the victims dignity while creating a hostile ordegrading environment (EIGE 1). A call word used in the definition of both theUS and the EU is unwelcome. The word unwelcome emphasizes the victimsdiscomfort and feelings of entrapment. However, it is not the same as automatic because a victim may throw away agreed to certain things beforehand realizingit was offensive or potentially dangerous. The main difference between these cardinal interpretations is their focus. The US centralizes on the act of sexualharassment while the EU concentrates on the results. Additionally, in that location are deuce main distinctions of sexual harassment that apply to both the EUand the US. The first is the private sphere. This level enlarge sexual abuse in thehome or private life of an individual. A believe conducted by QuinnipiacUniversity revealed that fifteen percent of women who confirm been sexuallyharassed and/or abused said it happened at home. (Frederick, 2) People often get out that some instances of harassment occur within the victims homesbecause most cases of sexual despoil occur in the second sphere, the habitualsphere. This form involves instances of verbal harassment, sexual advances,molestatio n, rape, etc. that occur in the general company (RAINN). as well includedin the public sphere is sexual harassment in the workplace. United States lawrecognizes two kinds of sexual harassment within the workplace, lot pro quosexual harassment and hostile work environment. Quid pro quo involves anemployee that has to tolerate and endure sexual harassment in exchange foremployment, a promotion, a raise, etc. Hostile work environment, as defined byUS law, is an offensive work environment that hinders an employees performanceas a result of sexual harassment in the workplace (Title VII). On the otherhand, the EU does not recognize different forms of sexual harassment in theworkplace and uses a general definition. This is a huge part of the problembecause the lack of distinction and recognition generates apathy and peopleforget that sexual harassment in the workplace is an entirely different issueon its feature. The impactof sexual harassment on survivors is severe and can range from depression and anxiety to posttraumatic stress ail (PTSD). Victims can grow to fear physical and sexualconduct and annul leaving their homes (Thomas, 143). According to Equal RightsAdvocates, a womens law meat in the US, one in four women, between the agesof 18 and 35, have been sexually harassed in the workplace. This is only astatistic those who have account sexual rape and, sadly, many women hidetheir pain and suffering out of fear. Additionally, this ratio gets slimmer asthe women get older. The likelihood of women experiencing sexual harassment inor out of the workplace gets higher the older they are. If a study wereconducted on women ages 18 to 75, the ratio would be closer to one in twowomen.95 percent ofthese women suffer from debilitating stress re meets including anxiety,headaches, residual disorders, weight loss or gain, depression, and fear ofphysical/sexual contact, as mentioned earlier (Equal Rights Advocates). Furthermore,the EuropeanUnion bureau for Fundamenta l Rights (FRA) concluded that round 90 millionwomen in all EU Member States have experienced at least one form of sexualharassment since the age of 15. That means that almost 60 percent of women havebeen sexually harassed. These statistics prove that having ratified aconvention such as CEDAW has elfin to no effect on harassment and assault ifthere is no implementation and hard-set guidelines. Sexual harassment has adisheartening effect that hinders women from maintain themselves within theworkplace. Among men, it reinforces the stereotypical view of women as objects.Extreme sexual harassment creates hostile or intimidating work environmentsthat cause women to quit their jobs and tone for another one or it discouragesthem from gather upking jobs altogether. Women are also acrophobic to speak out about theissues theyre facing because they do not want to lose their jobs but if itgets too intense they feel as there is no other option but to quit. For most ofAmerican and European history, women quietly endured mistreatment andharassment in the workplace, with little to no protection or way out. By the 1920s, workingwomen were advised to quit their jobs if they cannot handle sexual advances(Hill, 2). These traumatized women, some of which are single mothers, losetheir source of income because their voices are silenced and they cannotadvocate for their rights. Moreover, sexual harassment at work can have majorconsequences not only for the victim but for other working women who witnessit. Like the harassed individuals, women try not to draw too much attention tothemselves to avoid being sexually harassed as well. This hinders them fromperforming their best because they do not want to stand out, even if it meanssacrificing potential promotions, raises, acknowledgements, etc. (Webb, 52)These women are exploited and mistreated because they have no one to fight forthem as laws against sexual harassment both in the US and the EU are notadequately enforced. TheConven tion on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) is aninternational treaty that was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in1979. It outlines discrimination against women and calls for national action toend gender based discrimination, harassment, and violence. Additionally, itrequiresStates Parties to legislate provisions, programs, policies, and strategieswhich prohibit sexual harassment in all spheres. The United States was one ofthe first signatories on the convention but still has not ratified it. The USclaims there are laws and regulations already in place that achieve what CEDAWmeans to accomplish, one of them being Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of1964. It aimsto carry away sexual harassment in schools and workplaces. The goal of theSexual molestation Policy, which is in effect at all schools and workplaces, isto provide an environment free of sexual harassment, intimidation, and exploitation. However, it has not worked effectively as sexual assa ult and harassment rates are steadily change magnitude. Onthe other hand, countries in the European Union, such as France and the UnitedKingdom, have signed and ratified CEDAW. After confirming the convention, segmentstates are essential to meet a series of conditions to end discrimination ofwomen in all forms. This includes assimilating gender equality into their legalsystem, abolishing discriminatory laws and adopting appropriate ones,establishing public institutions, etc. To monitorthe implementation of CEDAW, the deputation on the Elimination of Discriminationagainst Women was set in place by the UN. It is comprised of 23 independentexperts from around the world that conduct observations and proposerecommendations to state parties. However, these observations are few and furtherapart and the recommendations are not heavily enforced. The committee alsorequests that reports be sent in every few years from all member states thathave ratified CEDAW yet many do not comply. If a country does not send ingeneral reports of how gender equality and anti-sexual harassment laws arebeing enforced, the UN does not take any action. These countries are still consideredto have ratified the convention even if they are not adhering to the guidelinesset forrad by the UN. I wanted to evaluate whether there is a correlationbetween the rates of sexual harassment and ratification of CEDAW. I concludedthat there is no correlation between the two because the United States andcountries in the European Union have the same rates of sexual harassment andassault. On average, oversixty percent of women in the US and EU reported they have been sexuallyharassed in their lifetime and sexual harassment rates have been steadily increasingin both these regions (Clarke 2007, 1). This all leads back to the lack ofappropriate exercise and reinforcement, for both CEDAW and other legislaturelike Title VII, that leaves victims and survivors of sexual assault un defendwhile the perpetrators get away with their crimes. Furthermore, theunwillingness of national governments to in good order implement and fully adhere toregulations concerning sexual harassment in the workplace causes this issue toremain pervasive. Sexualharassment in the workplace is zip new and has been an agonizing issue forcenturies, but it has seen a vast prosper of attention and recognition recentlyas celebrities, citizens, coworkers, and others use their platforms to advocatefor the rights of women around the world. The prevalence of workplaceharassment led to the creation of groundbreaking anti-sexual assault andwomens empowerment movements such as MeToo and epochs Up. These movements, like manyothers, would not be necessary if sexual harassment were not an issue or if itwere properly addressed by national governments and institutions. Celebritieshave stepped up and accused Hollywood producers, directors, and actors who havetaken advantage of their positions and sexual harassed women, such as Ha rveyWeinstein, Louis C. K., and Kevin Spacey. Countless women have spoken out aboutharassers, specifically Harvey Weinstein whose scandals triggered a series ofallegations against similarly goodly men around the world (Rodino-Colocino, 97). These events provoked thecreation of the MeToo movement, a stand against sexual harassment,specifically in the workplace. It started in the United States on social mediaas a hashtag under which women would share testimonies about their personalexperiences with sexual assault, harassment, and rape in the workplace or aprofessional setting. It provides a community of healing and lets victims andsurvivors know that they are not alone in their pain. Celebrities are looked upto and their seemingly perfect lives are envied. The MeToo movement isextremely powerful and shift our view of Hollywoods elites. Their courage toopenly and so vulnerably share their experiences with the world gives womenhope. Through their stories, we can also see that fame and fortune does notgrant you a perfect life. Celebrities go through pain, discomfort, and fearjust like anyone else and this shows women that they can let their voice beheard as well. Victims in European Union countries have ready their voice justas Americans through many powerful womens declarations. The movement wentviral in October of 2017 and exposed the widespread prevalence of sexualharassment. Since then, MeToo has spread to over 200 countries and women in everycommunity, big or small have the courage to speak out and advocate for their professrights (Edge, 22). In responseto the MeToo movement and the Harvey Weinstein scandal, the convictions Up movement was founded in January2018 by Hollywood celebrities. Additionally, many A-listers have assisted inthe creation of the Times Up Legal Defense Fund. The farm animal provides legalsupport, defence, and advising to victims of sexual harassment, assault, orabuse in the workplace. As of February 2018, Times Up has raised 20 mill iondollars for its legal defense fund. It has also gained over 200 volunteerlawyers who are going to work directly with victims to ensure their rights are protected(Chu 2018, 16). When you visit the Times Up website, the first thing you seeis a quote that reads, The quantify has run out on sexual assault, harassment,and inequality in the workplace. It is time to do something about it. Thisperfectly exemplifies the goal of the movement. The time is up on silencingwomen and protecting abusers. It is time to make a change and take matters intoour avouch hands since governments refuse to acknowledge theseverity of sexual harassment and do something about it (Times Up Now).However,the MeTooand Times Up movements have caught plenty of negative backlash. Many men and, surprisingly,even women argue that these movements are unnecessary. Their claims range fromattention seeking to geting an extremist liberal agenda. The individuals whopush back are not educated on the goals these movements . Many individuals haveclaimed that MeToo and Times Up are only ways for women to get more attentionand fame by falsely accusing others. People in opposition claim that sincethere is no proof of the assaults, other than womens testimonies, how can theybelieve them? Additionally, men argue that accusations make male workers andexecutives have to avoid women in the workplace completely. They claim there isno discourse between males and females unless it is directly related towork and this can hurt their work performance (Rodino-Colocino, 98). Nevertheless, the opposition tothe movement has only given women a big reason to fight for their rights andprotection. There will always be antagonists but victims and supporters aredoing their part to lift their voices, especially for women who are teared downand silenced. Additionally,the MeToo and Times Up movements have made their way across the pond,literally. What started in the United States has made an impact all over theglobe as more t han 200 countries have been actively facelift awareness andimplementing the goals of these movements into their own communities (Edge, 22). The celebrities that have shown their support for thecause, such as Angelina Jolie, Natalie Portman, Justin Timberlake, SebastianStan, and many others, have utilise their platforms to advocate for an issuethat is not only current in the United States but it applies all over the worldincluding Europe. The global reach of these movements is massive and shows thatwomen refuse to be silenced and cast aside, rather we will commix our voices andspeak out for those who cannot. An example of the expansive influence of TimesUp and MeToo is the creation of British versions of them. British media andthe entertainment industry have had a surge of simmering issues that leavewomen feeling hopeful of purposeful change. European celebrities, includingKierra Knightley, Emma Watson, and Daisy Ridley, are speaking out and demandingaction. By the end of January , the British Times Up initiative had gained thesupport of over 50 internationally acclaimed women (Chu 2018, 16).They are uniting under this cause andincreasingly raising their voices in a post Harvey Weinstein age. Variouscelebrities have reflected the support of Americans by wearing all black to theBAFTA ceremony much like celebrities who wore all black to the Oscars and theGolden Globes.These effects aremirrored in mingled countries in the EU and the resulting awareness is causinga change of forceful proportions. These movements have been able to achieve whatnational governments and legislature have failed to do. They have given allwomen a hopeful voice and have protected and defended them in the face ofinjustice and sexual harassment. I believethat there are many changes that could be implemented in both the United Statesand the European Union to lower the rates of sexual harassment in the workplaceand, eventually, eradicate it. First, the United Statesshould recognize the fl aws and failures of its laws to fully protect women anderadicate sexual harassment in all spheres. They should take necessary measuresto ratify CEDAW and enact legislative provisions that ensure the safety ofwomen in and out of workplaces. There should also be proper punishment measuresset forth for the perpetrators, such as termination of employment and prisonsentences where necessary. Too many harassers get away with their crimes andthey must be stopped. I believe that the US should also allocate funds toorganizations, foundations, and movements like Times Up and MeToo thatproperly identify harassers and provide defense for the victims of sexualassault. Next, countries in the European Union that have ratified CEDAW shouldregulate and measure the extent of implementations within their respectivegovernments and institutions. I believe that EU countries would also benefit fromrecognizing sundry(a) forms of sexual harassment rather than relying on a generaldefinition. Additionally, t he Committee on the Elimination of DiscriminationAgainst Women under CEDAW should recruit more members to monitor application ofthe convention into law. They could also revoke the member states benefits ofratification. If they have not made an effort to implement policies and nochange is detected, they should not be able to say they ratified theconvention. In conclusion, the prevalence andpervasiveness of sexual harassment in both the United States can be attributedto their lack of regulation of these laws and conventions and the absence ofimplementation monitoring. Even so, the creation of movements such as Times Upand MeToo have aided in representing for the victims of sexual assault andgiving them a voice to speak out about their experiences. The lack of adequaterepresentation and advocacy in the US left women no choice but to speak out forthemselves and help others victims and survivors who have been silences. Theirstand was inspiring and other countries like the United Kingdom , France, etc.mirrored their movements and efforts (Chu 2018, 16). This has been liveryabout the change that governments failed to. Through the strength and globalreach of these movement and fund the rates of sexual harassment and assault canbe significantly lowered. Additionally, the US and the EU would benefit fromimplementing appropriate regulations to conventions, updating and rewritingcurrent law and legislature, setting adequate punishment measures forperpetrators, and nationally recognizing sexual harassment in and out of theworkplace.ReferencesChu,Henry. Times Up apparent movement Ripples across Pond. Variety. 339(1)16. 2018.Clarke,Linda. 2007. 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