{
  "id": 18311918,
  "title": "‘Sex for Jobs Conference’: CHRAJ calls for cultural and social reforms to tackle sexual harassment",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/sex-for-jobs-conference-chraj-calls-for-cultural-and-social-reforms",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-05T13:10:24.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/sex-for-jobs-conference-chraj-calls-for-cultural-and-social-reforms-to-tackle-sexual-harassment/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has called for sweeping cultural and social reforms to address sexual harassment, stating that institutional policies and disciplinary measures alone are insufficient. Deputy Commissioner Mercy Larbi emphasized that tackling sexual harassment requires a societal shift in attitudes, behaviors, and power dynamics that perpetuate abuse, silence victims, and weaken accountability. Speaking at the 'Sex for Jobs Conference' in Accra, Larbi described sexual harassment as a human rights violation that infringes upon dignity, equality, personal integrity, and the right to work in a safe, favorable environment. She emphasized that sexual harassment is not just inappropriate conduct or workplace indiscipline but a complex human rights concern involving dignity, equality, non-discrimination, personal integrity, privacy, safe working conditions, freedom, security, and access to justice. Larbi highlighted that sexual harassment is prevalent in workplaces, particularly in environments with unequal power relations and abuse of authority, affecting anyone regardless of age, gender, cultural background, or professional position. She defined sexual harassment as unwelcome or non-consensual sexual behavior that creates a hostile, degrading, humiliating, intimidating, or offensive environment for victims. The consequences of such behavior, she explained, can extend beyond the immediate abuse, causing emotional distress, declining academic or professional performance, and damaging institutional reputations. While several public institutions have developed internal sexual harassment policies, Larbi noted that their implementation remains a significant challenge. She stressed that these policies must lead to effective protection, accessible complaints procedures, and appropriate sanctions for perpetrators. CHRAJ has implemented a sexual harassment policy for its staff, providing disciplinary actions ranging from warnings to termination based on the circumstances. The policy also addresses harassment by individuals outside the Commission. Larbi revealed that CHRAJ conducted 230 sexual harassment and related sensitization programs across the country between 2025 and July 2026, with the Greater Accra and Eastern regions hosting the majority. Additionally, the Commission has targeted tertiary institutions due to allegations of lecturers and supervisors demanding sexual favors for academic benefits. CHRAJ, in collaboration with Amnesty International, has also conducted sexual harassment education programs in more than 100 schools since 2025. Larbi provided examples of cases handled by the Commission, such as a woman who was dismissed for rejecting a superior's sexual advance. Following investigations, CHRAJ upheld her complaint and awarded compensation, establishing a legal precedent. Larbi stressed that combating sexual harassment requires more than institutional rules, advocating for stronger enforcement, sustained public education, and a culture that supports victims without fear of retaliation. Her remarks were part of discussions at the Sex for Jobs Conference, organized by the Ark Foundation, which gathered public institutions, civil society organizations, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore measures to end sexual exploitation in workplaces and educational institutions.",
  "summary": "The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has called for deliberate cultural and social reforms to tackle sexual harassment, warning that institutional policies and disciplinary measures alone cannot eliminate the practice. Deputy Commissioner of CHRAJ, Mercy Larbi, said addressing sexual harassment required a broader societal shift in attitudes, behaviours and power…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Adom Online",
        "title": "‘Sex for Jobs Conference’ calls for accountability in the fight against sexual harassment",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/sex-for-jobs-conference-calls-for-accountability-in-the-fight-against",
        "published": "2026-11-05T13:31:09.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}