Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Abstract

Sexual Harassment, although not a new problem, was recognized as a social issue in the U.S. only in the mid-70s. In the Philippines feminists in the late 80s were the first to raise awareness of sexual harassment. Suddenly, there was a novel and official term for the long-running abuse of women’s sexuality. By the early 90s, the first bills on sexual harassment were being passed in Congress, initiated by Women’s rights advocates. The Anti-Sexual Harassment Act (Republic Act 7877) was enacted in 1995. After five (5) years only one has been prosecuted under this law. This does not mean that no one does it and that there are no victims. Given the deficiency in information on sexual harassment in the Philippines, particularly, in the workplace setting and its consequent ramifications not only with regard to individual female workers but to society at large, it is vital to systematically gather data upon which to base sound policies.” This study aims to fill this gap. Utilizing the historical materialist framework, the researcher through this study will provide the necessary knowledge and perspective to effectively evaluate and analyze the mechanisms in which Philippine society, the law and its implementation, NGOs, Women Activists and Unions deal with the societal plague of sexual harassment.