Public Defender’s Office of Georgia and the USAID Rule of Law Program Launch a Campaign to Prevent and Address Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Sexual harassment in the workplace has a detrimental impact on employees, causing delays in work performance, and deterioration of physical or mental health. Any conduct of a sexual nature that is involuntary, unwanted, and creates an uncomfortable environment for an individual is prohibited by law.
In November 2023, the USAID Rule of Law Program supported the Public Defender’s Office (PDO) to launch a three-month campaign focused on preventing and addressing sexual harassment in the workplace.
As part of the campaign, informational posters were developed illustrating various forms of workplace sexual harassment, including verbal, non-verbal, physical, and quid pro quo (service for service). The posters were placed in all carriages of Tbilisi Metro and at the most crowded six platforms, including Akhmeteli Theater, Didube, Station Square, Rustaveli, Tavisupleba, and Technical University. According to the latest data, Tbilisi Metro had 15 million visitors just in October of this year.
The campaign will increase public awareness about sexual harassment and help educate people about their legal rights and available solutions in cases of experiencing or witnessing sexual harassment in the workplace. The campaign will also increase employers' understanding of their legal obligation to protect labor rights and create a supportive work environment free from discrimination.
“The Public Defender of Georgia, as an anti-discrimination mechanism, among other things, examines potential cases of sexual harassment in the workplace. In cases of a violation, the PDO provides recommendations and suggestions to relevant entities, be it public institutions or private companies. In addition to addressing sexual harassment in the workplace, the PDO also conducts awareness-raising initiatives. It has developed a special online course to raise awareness of sexual harassment in public space and at the workplace, and has introduced the legal framework of human rights that serves to prevent sexual harassment” - said Deputy Public Defender Tamar Gvaramadze.
