When a girl who has already been harassed is repeatedly asked by various authorities to recount her experience—often multiple times and in front of others—it exacerbates her vulnerability. Some people manipulate her emotions for personal gain, creating unnecessary drama, and feeling let down by silly jokes and some exaggerate and present stories to her, making her feel weak and defenseless. Some people recount their own experiences, but instead of offering comfort, they frame these stories in a way that amplifies her distress. For instance, they might highlight how they handled similar situations more successfully, implying that she should have done the same. This comparison leaves her feeling inadequate and isolated.
In such a situation, the girl becomes even more vulnerable, unable to differentiate between those who are genuinely supportive and those who are not. She seeks for someone who can listen without judgment but hesitates to burden her parents. This leaves her feeling defenseless and weak, especially knowing that she will soon have to navigate a world filled with people who harbor cruel mindsets. The constant scrutiny and lack of genuine support isolate her further, deepening her emotional distress and making it difficult to trust others.
Reliving her trauma without genuine support or someone to understand and listen without judgment makes her feel deeply alone. In such times, having a trusted person to offer empathy and guidance is crucial to help her heal and regain confidence. According to"Stop Street Harassment “nonprofit organization in 2018, 81% of women and 43% of men reported experiencing some form of sexual harassment in their lifetime. Women, in particular, face harassment from a young age in various forms, and often struggle to understand or articulate what is happening to them. This leads to a dilemma where they feel uncomfortable sharing their experiences, unsure of how their situation will be perceived. Despite numerous policies and organizations working on this issue, there remains a significant lack of orientation and awareness on the topic.
According to research by Focus on Labour Exploitation, high levels of sexual harassment were found in low-paid and insecure sectors of the economy, with 42% of women and non-binary participants in cleaning, 44% in hospitality, and 57% in app-based deliveries reporting experiences of sexual harassment (Exploitation, 2022).
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In a survey I conducted with students and employees from both the private and public sectors, respondents shared that most workplace sexual harassment occurs between those in power and their subordinates, particularly targeting individuals in vulnerable, lower-ranking positions. Some of them were unaware of the sexual harassment policy in their respective institutions, although it is compulsory for workplaces in Nepal to have such a policy under the Sexual Harassment at Workplace (Prevention) Act, 2014 (2071). This law mandates organizations to establish mechanisms to prevent and address sexual harassment in the workplace. Many workplaces lack policies or orientation on the matter. While employees in NGOs and INGOs demonstrated greater awareness, only some could share examples of effective practices. Homemakers and daily wage laborers were generally unaware of sexual harassment, reflecting a knowledge gap that leaves them vulnerable.
A report from the International Labour Organization (ILO) on "Sexual Harassment in Nepal" (Series 2) indicated that 90% of policymakers and civil society members, 63.6% of employers, and 53.8% of trade unions reported that sexual harassment is alarmingly high among vulnerable workers, such as helpers. Despite Nepal's population of 29.19 million (Census 2021) being almost evenly divided between men and women, how many people are truly aware of the issue of sexual harassment?
Some studies also show evidence how such harassment incidents affect the lives of working women. According to a study done among females at a workplace in Dhanusha district, the majority of respondents (25.71%) reported a decrease in working efficacy after experiencing sexual harassment, and 5.71% changed their jobs. Additionally, 5.71% of females suffered from headaches and body aches, 5.71% experienced high blood pressure, 22.86% developed anorexia, 20% reported restlessness or insomnia, 17.14% experienced fatigue, 14.29% suffered from anxiety, 11.43% faced depression, and 2.86% lost body weight. Furthermore, 63.64% of employers stated that employees who are trained but leave due to sexual harassment could result in a loss of productivity, while 67.86% of the total respondents confirmed that incidents of sexual harassment damage the organization's reputation (ILO, 2004).
Nepal’s Sexual Harassment at Workplace (Prevention) Act, 2014 (2071) and its integration into the Labour Act, 2074 BS (2017) mandate all workplaces to establish clear anti-harassment policies. Despite Nepal’s national and international commitments to gender equality—such as CEDAW’s General Recommendation No. 19, ILO Convention No. 111, and SDG 5—sexual harassment remains widespread. While the Constitution guarantees equality and protection against exploitation, a significant gap persists in exploring the implementation and effectiveness of these laws, particularly in public and private sectors. Nepal has existing laws to address sexual harassment, but the government has not conducted any comprehensive review of these laws and policies. While some research has been undertaken, such as by Pioneer Law Associates in their study titled “Nepal Introduces Legislation to Address Sexual Harassment at Workplace”. However, enforcement remains inconsistent, and there have been no recent reviews on the effectiveness of these laws and policies. This underscores the need for strong monitoring and evaluation to ensure their relevance and impact.
In my opinion, there are two key issues at play here. First, there is a significant gap in awareness and education about sexual harassment across different sectors of society. This lack of understanding, particularly in workplaces, among daily wage laborers, and in homes, emphasizes the need for comprehensive education and policy implementation. Addressing this issue through targeted awareness programs and enforcing workplace policies can bridge the knowledge gap and create a safer environment for everyone.
The second, more insidious issue, arises when highly educated professionals—well-versed in policies and regulations—engage in harmful behavior under the guise of social welfare. Despite their knowledge, they exploit workers in lack of proof, cleverly manipulating situations and using sarcasm and subtle harassment tactics without leaving evidence. This behavior is hazardous because it undermines trust in the institutions meant to protect people. By manipulating the system, these individuals not only harm victims but also erode the very foundations of social justice, leaving victims powerless and isolated.
To address the exploitation of policies by professionals, key steps must be taken. Strengthening accountability mechanisms with independent review bodies will ensure transparency and clear consequences. Each institution should offer physical classes or 1-2 hours of online training sessions to ensure staff members are informed and that others are aware that all staff understand the policies. Training should focus on ethics and recognizing subtle forms of harassment, such as sarcasm or emotional manipulation. Safe reporting channels are essential, allowing victims to report harassment confidentially, with support services in place. Organizations must foster a culture of integrity, where leaders model ethical behavior and enhance protections for informants. Legal reforms are necessary to address subtle harassment and enforce stricter penalties for exploitative actions. Empowering victims by educating them about their rights and offering support will encourage them to report harassment confidently. Additionally, research and data collection are needed to understand the prevalence and impact of sexual harassment, which will guide evidence-based policymaking. Finally, shifting societal attitudes to foster empathy will help rebuild survivors’ confidence, ensuring safer workplaces and progress toward gender equality.
