Education the best prevention - Knowles

Media release 16 October 2000

Education the best prevention - Knowles

Education is the best prevention against sexual harassment in the workplace, says Employers' Federation chief executive Anne Knowles.

Ms Knowles says the recent Human Rights Commission report highlights the need for care over interpersonal behaviour in the workplace.

"The Commission's report citing 284 sexual harassment incidents in workplaces over the last 5 years serves as a reminder that such behaviour will not be tolerated.

"The survey commissioned by the Commission also indicates grounds for concern although I am surprised at the inference that hundreds of thousands of women are being sexually harassed.

"Young female employees and others deserve the full protection of the law as well as a workplace climate that discourages offensive behaviour."

The Federation's 1997 guide for employers 'Dealing with Sexual Harassment', now in its second reprint, has been distributed to all 14,000 direct members, and can also be purchased from EMA (Northern), EMA (Central), the Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Otago/Southland Employers' Association.

Ms Knowles said in her work as trustee for the EEO Trust, she had noted wide acceptance that ongoing education was the key to preventing sexual harassment.

Ends Contact Anne Knowles 04 4994111 or 021 425868

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