SHARP week has taken bold steps to create awareness of our revised Sexual Harassment policy, aiming to empower employees through provision of relevant information.
Policies supporting the SHARP programme outline the importance of communication, while community initiatives help to deflate shame around the subject.
We understand that effective training cannot occur in a vacuum but requires a holistic culture of non-harassment that starts at the top. Both managers and employees are our resource to prevent and stop sexual harassment, all are encouraged to take an active role.
In Kenya, each employee has been provided with a wrist band with contacts enabling them to raise concerns and report problems via WhatsApp or text message. This is one of the tools to intervene when one witnesses or experiences harassing behavior.
In Malawi, community groups have been set up in all our estates to encourage communication between workers, and to ensure day to day issues are reported to management. Community leaders are elected locally, and topics such as harassment are discussed in closed groups, or one on one with members of the same gender. Community groups form an important part of the Diversity, Inclusion and Women’s Welfare policy, with Women Welfare Committees (WWCs).
It is the entire community that benefits when sexual harassment in the workplace is curbed. Simon Odhiambo, General Manager Corporate Affairs for our growers in Kenya and Malawi, often refers to gender issues as “societal issues,” explaining that “it is unhelpful to take a binary view when the entire community is affected.” Studies demonstrate that a working culture which fosters inclusion and diversity, especially at management level, benefits the business and the welfare of all employees.
The SHARP campaign sends a clear message:
“We should not and will not tolerate any form of sexual harassment in the workplace.”
Tom Franks, CEO, Camellia.