Speaking from Experience: Putting lived experience at the front of workplace sexual harassment reform

Background

The Respect@Work report on the National Inquiry into Sexual Harassment in Australian Workplaces recommended that the Commission set up a process for victims of workplace sexual harassment to have their voices and experiences heard. The National Inquiry found that it is important for victims to be able to share their experience and contribute to wider change in society. In particular, change on how victim-survivors are treated when they come forward with complaints of workplace sexual harassment, to prevent this type of behaviour happening to others and to better recognise the impact of it. This project fulfils this recommendation.

Aim

The project aims to centre the voices of those with lived experience of workplace sexual harassment to inform future good practice in prevention and response. Particular attention will be paid to marginalised workers. Resources will be created for workplaces, industries, employers, regulators, and diverse victims-survivors of workplace sexual harassment.

Methods

This is a qualitative project to understand how we can address workplace sexual harassment from the expertise of those with lived experience. The project invites victim-survivors (contributors) to have their say through online submissions via the Australian Human Rights Commission’s website, and through targeted individual and group consultations. Contributions will be analysed thematically to produce simple resources designed to make workplaces safer. Attention will be given to deepening understanding of intersectional experiences of workplace sexual harassment.

Significance

The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is the national authority on workplace sexual harassment, including in relation to workplace reform to address sexual harassment in Australian workplaces. Additionally, AHRC has a monitoring and enforcement role related to workplaces’ ‘positive duty,’ or their legal responsibility to prevent unlawful behaviour, including sexual harassment. This project ensures that those who have experienced workplace sexual harassment have a voice in the AHRC’s work in this area, including in relation to intersectional experiences of workplace sexual harassment, workplaces’ fulfilment of their positive duty, and what effective, victim-focussed change looks like.

Project start date

February 2024

Expected completion date

June 2025