Gender Minister - Betty Amongi has revealed a disturbing trend of sexual harassment in workplaces, with many male bosses allegedly exploiting foreign trips to coerce their female staff into unwanted advances. According to Amongi, this pervasive form of harassment poses a significant obstacle to the promotion of gender equality practices within both public and private organizations.
During a speech at the Gender Equality Seal Awards in Kampala, Amongi cited instances where male bosses, while on foreign trips, take advantage of their female subordinates by strategically arranging accommodations, making it difficult for victims to report such incidents.
"...the boss has a trip abroad in the UK to go and work, and he has been making a pass at you, then he says, 'let’s take a trip together.' And you reach the UK, you have not been to the UK, and your rooms are next to each other, strategically," she explained.
Amidst unfamiliar surroundings, Amongi emphasized the vulnerability of female staff who may find themselves cornered and coerced into compromising situations. She highlighted the power dynamic in the workplace, where male superiors use their authority to harass female employees, often linking such behavior to professional advancement, promotions, or work-related opportunities.
"These are the simple things we are talking about. When you have a colleague who is working and you are a man and you have the power, this person is vulnerable. And so, you use your power to harass us sexually in the workplace and tie it to promotion, tie it to giving us trips, and so many things," the minister added.
Amongi's revelations took place during the Gender Equality Seal Awards ceremony organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Private Sector Foundation of Uganda (PSFU). The event recognized 40 private sector companies for achieving the Gender Equality Seal (GES) Gold, Silver, and Bronze certifications, acknowledging their commitment to fostering gender equality within workplaces and business strategies. An additional 50 companies received recognition for taking steps within the GES certification process.
Minister Amongi commended the awarded companies for their efforts in promoting gender equality and encouraged them to set an example for other organizations to follow. The minister's candid remarks shed light on the urgent need for addressing workplace harassment and fostering a safe and equal environment for all employees.
