Sexual harassment at work in the Arab world

Not a single day passes by without me hearing about things that go by at work in Jordan that would make your hair go gray!

In the US, there are very strict sexual harassment laws at work. In fact, the place I work we take sexual harassment training every single year. Just to make sure managers are not harassing their employees. Employees are not harassing their colleagues

On the other hand, everyday, I hear horror stories of secretaries getting sexual advances by their managers. And with grave results if they resisted. Including but not limited to getting fired.

Women have been at many times forced to accept a manager who would call them into their office and in a quick move force his arm up their skirt or blouse.  Some have bravely resisted. Some have even fought back. But many remain silent on the fear for their jobs in an economy ridden with unemployment.

Many have decided to just drop everything and forget totally about finding a decent job. While others have swung all the way and took advantage of the situation for material gains. Occasionally getting married to the abuser, but on several occasions keeping their silence, and crying internally alone.

The other problem is that a woman doesn't have anyone to resort to. If she talks to her family, it might end up in an honor killing of herself or the person who harassed her.

If she goes to the police, She's risking a scandal and a ruined reputation. Such a hard issue indeed

The only way I see out of this I see is to have really strict laws governing conduct at work. If someone is involved in sexual harassment of a co-worker. Some action needs to be taken. A comprehensive and neutral investigation needs to be conducted and justice should take it's place. Even if the owner of the business is involved in such acts

Few years ago, a colleague was telling me about this tape he watched of Secretaries applying for jobs where they get fondled by the owners without them being able to say anything. Some were even crying ins silence but in need for a job so much that they tried to resit without being too aggressive. Only one of the 10 left promptly.

This is such a sad subject to talk about. How did our society stoop so low. And what can each and every one of us do about it? Remember that lady can be your sister, mother daughter or your wife.

To help better understand harassment, I'll start by stating what qualifies as harassment as stated by the US Equal opportunity commission:

 People need to know it's NOT OK, it's NOT acceptable. And that  you WILL pursue action if a behavior continues. You can try to resolve it informally at the beginning. But if that doesn't work. Seek help.

The worst thing you can do is to shut up! Don't allow anyone to bully you around. Not your manager, not your employee, not your employer nor your customer