Sexual harassment: unaddressed and drowning in bureaucracy

Sexual harassment is not an issue that can be left unaddressed or with action delayed under layers of bureaucracy.

A case that recently came to light is the allegations of sexual harassment against the Vice President of the Broadcasting Commission of Maldives, Mohamed Fazeen.

While the Parliament's Committee on Human Rights and Gender holds the mandate to look into cases of sexual harassment, this case has been taken as an exemption, with the Committee on Independent Institutions taking up the probe.

The issue remains stalled at parliament, while it has been reported that the case has also been lodged at the police.

Sources close to the case have said that in addition to the accused, the victim was also summoned to the Committee - an all male committee - and questioned about the claims.

This caused further distress to the victim, compromising her sense of security and protection.

Mihaaru News reported that the questions posed to the victim were "insensitive".

South Galolhu MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu) has requested the parliament to resolve the issue where an all-male panel of the parliament's Independent Institutions Committee investigated the sexual harassment allegations in this case.

The Edition has received a copy of a letter sent to the parliament by the victim, where she states that she is unable to attend office as the accused continues to report to work with not even a temporary action taken against him while the probe into the case proceeds.

The letter further states that the victim is being frequently admitted in hospital due to suffering anxiety attacks as a result of the psychological distress she is facing in regards to the case.

It points out that allowing Fazeen to continue working while the issue remains unresolved poses a threat to other employees at the workplace as well.

Being in a position of power, Fazeen continues to defame the victim amongst her colleagues, the letter says, alleging Fazeen has said to colleagues that he had 'not abused a child' and that 'it would be better to abuse '...' as she is more attractive'.

It further states that staff at BroadCom are being made to sign petitions stating they would not support the victim.

The letter appeals to the parliament to expedite the investigation into the case, raising concerns that the commission, too, had failed to take any action in the matter to date.

Other members of the Broadcasting Commission also have remained silent on the case, it has been reported.

Although the BroadCom Act may not specify actions that can be taken in such a case, other legislations such as the Anti Sexual Harassment Act and the Sexual Offences Act clearly stipulate actions that must be taken in such instances.

It is in the best interests of all concerned for such cases to be resolved swiftly and justly. Delays in serving justice only add to the distress of all involved. It also discourages other victims of abuse to step up and report cases.