Parliament discusses sexual harassment

Parliament on Tuesday discussed sexual harassment which has emerged as an important issue in recent times.

The government in a press release said it takes public discussion on this issue and people relating their experiences extremely seriously.

The government stresses that sexual harassment is always reprehensible, and it must not be accepted under any circumstances.

Sexual harassment and molestation are prohibited by law. The climate of attitudes still has plenty of room for improvement, however, and practical measures are needed, including clear instructions for dealing with workplace harassment cases.

The government urges all employers and organisations to examine what they could do to put an end to harassment.

Managers and supervisors are responsible for ensuring that zero tolerance for sexual harassment is practised in the workplace.

The government also encourages those who have experienced harassment to bring the matter up in their work organisations.

A change in attitudes and practices is needed in Finland in workplaces, at school, online as well as in different recreational activities.

Particular attention should be paid to schools to ensure safe learning environments for children and young people. All pupils and students have a right to a safe study and school environment in which everyone is respected.

“Sexual harassment is associated with a certain culture of not talking about it and not intervening,” said Prime Minister Juha Sipilä. “What is important now is continuing the discussion and ensuring that things will change.”

Next spring, the government will decide the actions to eradicate sexual harassment in the context of its Action Plan for Gender Equality.

Minister of Employment Jari Lindström, Minister of Social Affairs and Health Pirkko Mattila, and Minister of Family Affairs and Social Services Annika Saarikko have invited the labour market organisations and key stakeholders to a discussion on sexual harassment in the workplace that will take place already before Christmas.

Minister of Education Sanni Grahn-Laasonen, together with education providers and other experts, has been assigned to the Finnish National Agency for Education with the task of updating the relevant guidelines by the end of February 2018 to provide all those working at schools and educational institutions with capabilities for acting to prevent sexual harassment and molestation.

The government stresses that everyone is now required to take action. An individual citizen may also intervene in unacceptable behaviour. We must have zero tolerance for sexual harassment in our society, said the government in the press release.