‘Sex for Jobs Conference’ calls for accountability in the fight against sexual harassment

The Ark Foundation has advocated for enhanced institutional accountability and robust reporting systems to combat sexual harassment and exploitation in workplaces and educational settings. Dr Angela Dwamena Aboagye, the Foundation's Executive Director, emphasized the necessity of transitioning from mere discussions to actionable measures that ensure justice for victims and accountability for perpetrators.

During the 'Sex for Jobs Conference' in Accra, Dr Aboagye highlighted recent revelations reported by JoyNews at Obuasi Senior High Technical School, stressing that while the conference was not initially intended to address school-related sexual misconduct, educational institutions must also be scrutinized for safeguarding students.

She pointed out that the conference was conceptualized prior to these allegations, viewing the recent developments as a clarion call for immediate national action. Dr Aboagye, with over 30 years of experience assisting sexual harassment survivors, shared distressing accounts of individuals whose lives were compromised due to workplace exploitation.

One such case involved a young woman allegedly sexually coerced by a superior, who, despite reporting the issue through proper channels, received inadequate support and even contemplated suicide due to the distress. Similarly, a highly skilled man with a disability faced sexual advances from his boss, whose dismissal of his complaint was met with derision.

Faced with no viable alternative employment, the man resigned without any other opportunities, only to remain jobless upon her subsequent encounter. Dr Aboagye underscored that these issues are pervasive, affecting both genders, and that the fight against sexual harassment demands a national commitment to prioritize dignity over exploitation, justice over silence, and accountability over impunity.

She emphasized that ending practices like "sex for jobs" and "sex for grades" necessitates comprehensive institutional reforms rather than superficial measures. Drawing on data from the Ministry of Employment, Dr Aboagye disclosed that more than 38% of young women entering the workforce had experienced sexual harassment or coercion during recruitment, while over 70% of victims never reported the abuse.

Global estimates also indicate that more than one in five employed individuals have faced violence and harassment at work, with young women bearing a disproportionate burden. However, Ghana has yet to fully quantify the national scale and economic and social ramifications of this issue, owing to the absence of a comprehensive national survey.

Dr Aboagye framed the conference as a platform for accountability, urging institutions to disclose their administrative measures aimed at protecting workers and students, evaluate the effectiveness and shortcomings of their policies, and provide confidential, independent reporting avenues for victims. The ultimate objective is to foster a Ghana where safety is assured, integrity is paramount, and merit alone dictates success in professional and educational domains.