Introduction

Sexual harassment in the workplace remains a pervasive and damaging issue globally, undermining employee well-being, eroding trust, stifling productivity, and creating hostile work environments. Far from being a minor transgression, it constitutes a serious form of discrimination and often a human rights violation, impacting individuals across all genders, although disproportionately affecting women and other marginalized groups. Organizations that fail to proactively prevent and effectively address sexual harassment face significant legal, reputational, and financial risks, alongside a loss of talent and morale. Creating workplaces where every individual feels safe, respected, and able to thrive free from harassment is not only a legal and ethical imperative but also a cornerstone of a healthy and productive organizational culture. This essential training course focuses on Combating Sexual Harassment in the Workplace, equipping participants to foster safe and respectful work environments.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip HR professionals, managers, legal practitioners, and organizational leaders with the comprehensive knowledge and practical tools necessary to effectively prevent and respond to sexual harassment in the workplace. Participants will gain a deep understanding of what constitutes sexual harassment, learn how to develop robust anti-harassment policies, and acquire skills in conducting fair and impartial investigations. The course will delve into topics such as legal frameworks, creating a culture of respect, bystander intervention, supporting survivors, and ensuring accountability. By mastering the principles and methodologies of Combating Sexual Harassment in the Workplace, participants will be empowered to implement proactive measures, manage complex cases with sensitivity, and contribute to building workplaces that uphold dignity, safety, and respect for all employees.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Human Resources Managers and Professionals
• Managers and Supervisors at all levels
• Legal Counsel and Compliance Officers
• Employee Relations Specialists
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Practitioners
• Ethics Officers
• Senior Executives and Organizational Leaders
• Union Representatives
• Training and Development Specialists
• Ombudsmen and Complaints Officers

Course Objectives

• Understand the definitions and forms of sexual harassment in the workplace.
• Comprehend the legal and ethical obligations of organizations regarding sexual harassment.
• Learn to develop and implement robust anti-sexual harassment policies and procedures.
• Acquire skills in conducting fair, impartial, and confidential investigations into harassment complaints.
• Explore strategies for creating a preventative workplace culture free from harassment.
• Understand the importance of bystander intervention and how to encourage it.
• Develop approaches for supporting survivors of sexual harassment and preventing retaliation.
• Identify common challenges and best practices in addressing sexual harassment.
• Examine case studies and real-world scenarios to enhance practical application.
• Develop a practical action plan for strengthening anti-harassment measures in their organization.
• Enhance communication skills for sensitive discussions and training.

Course Content

Module 1: Understanding Sexual Harassment

• Defining sexual harassment: quid pro quo and hostile work environment.
• Various forms of sexual harassment: verbal, non-verbal, physical, digital.
• Understanding the impact of sexual harassment on individuals and organizations.
• The power dynamics inherent in sexual harassment.
• Recognizing subtle forms of harassment and microaggressions.

Module 2: Legal and Regulatory Frameworks

• Overview of relevant international human rights standards on workplace harassment.
• National laws and regulations prohibiting sexual harassment in employment.
• Employer liability and employee rights in harassment cases.
• Recent legal developments and landmark cases (global perspectives).
• The role of regulatory bodies and enforcement agencies.

Module 3: Developing and Implementing Anti-Harassment Policies

• Key elements of a comprehensive anti-sexual harassment policy.
• Clear definitions, prohibited conduct, and reporting procedures.
• Non-retaliation clauses and whistleblower protections.
• Disciplinary actions for offenders.
• Effective communication and dissemination of policies to all employees.

Module 4: Prevention Strategies and Culture Building

• Leadership commitment and tone from the top.
• Fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace culture.
• Regular and mandatory anti-harassment training for all employees and management.
• Promoting ethical conduct and professional boundaries.
• Creating safe spaces for open dialogue and reporting.

Module 5: Receiving and Responding to Complaints

• Establishing clear, accessible, and multiple reporting channels.
• Initial response to a complaint: active listening, empathy, immediate actions.
• Duty to investigate vs. informal resolution.
• Understanding the complexities of survivor disclosure.
• Documentation and record-keeping requirements.

Module 6: Conducting Effective Investigations

• Principles of fair and impartial investigations: objectivity, thoroughness, timeliness.
• Planning the investigation: scope, evidence, witnesses.
• Interviewing techniques for complainants, respondents, and witnesses.
• Gathering and evaluating evidence.
• Drawing conclusions and making recommendations.

Module 7: Supporting Survivors and Addressing Retaliation

• Providing support to complainants (e.g., counseling, accommodations).
• Protecting complainants from retaliation and re-victimization.
• Monitoring the workplace environment post-complaint.
• Communication strategies with all parties during and after an investigation.
• Restorative justice principles where appropriate.

Module 8: Accountability and Remedial Action

• Disciplinary measures for proven harassment: progressive discipline.
• Remedial actions to prevent recurrence and address systemic issues.
• Communication of outcomes (while respecting privacy).
• Post-investigation follow-up and monitoring.
• Learning from cases to strengthen prevention efforts.

Module 9: Special Considerations and Future Trends

• Addressing sexual harassment in specific contexts (e.g., remote work, field settings).
• Online harassment and cyberbullying in the workplace.
• Intersectionality: how harassment impacts marginalized groups differently.
• Bystander intervention programs and their effectiveness.
• The role of technology in combating and reporting harassment.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training