Supreme Court guidelines on sexual harassment largely ignored

A new study has revealed that a majority of university students and professionals are not aware of the directions of the Supreme Court to prevent sexual harassment issued in 2009. The study, titled “Sexual Harassment at Educational Institution and workplaces: Implementation Status of the 2009 Supreme Court Guideline” carried out by ActionAid Bangladesh, found that 87% of university students do not know the directions, and 64.5% of professionals are not aware of them. The study was released at an event in Dhaka on Monday. In 2009, the Supreme Court issued groundbreaking directives to prevent sexual harassment at workplace and in public places. The court charged the workplaces and the educational institutions with the responsibility of taking effective measures to prevent sexual harassment. The court directed educational institutions to increase awareness among students, form committees and implement the guidelines. In the case of sexual harassment, the High Court directive has also been to ensure the existing law and to ensure institutional justice. The directives also apply to any workplace. The court further said that strict guidelines must be followed in all public and private sector and educational institutions till a separate and complete law is formulated for the prevention of sexual harassment. Shahnaz Huda, professor of law at Dhaka University, said: “The reality of our country is that no action is taken against harassment or sexual abuse. It is the same condition at workplace. The Supreme Court directive of 2009 was a breakthrough to resolve this situation. If the harassment or abuser is brought under the law and fined a large amount, the situation will improve. “ Activist Khushi Kabir said: “It is very important to obey the High Court’s order. If it is practiced, the level of abuse in our country will go down. But the reality is that sexual abuse is not prosecuted when recognized in major universities. Again, the complaint is often not lodged as many victims want to hide the abuse.” Farah Kabir, country director, ActionAid Bangladesh said: “We must keep in mind that the High Court directive is the law. But those instructions are not followed. As a result, violence against women is not being prevented.” She added: “Women are being harassed and abused when they venture outside. The implementation of the High Court directive to solve the problem is very important. The budget of the concerned ministry needs to be increased. There needs to be accountability for those who do not obey the High Court directive.” Dr Abul Hossain, project director of the Multi-Sectoral Programme on Violence Against Women under the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, said: “If the High Court’s directives are fully complied with, awareness in offices and educational institutions will increase. To prevent abuse, the public and the private sector will have to work together.”