By Treezer Michelle Atieno
Gender harassment in the workplace remains a pervasive issue in Kenya, hindering
productivity and creating an environment of fear and inequality. Despite numerous
legal frameworks in place, the implementation and enforcement of gender equality
policies have often fallen short, leading to a continuous cycle of discrimination and
harassment. However, Kisumu County is leading the way in creating a safer and
more equitable workplace environment through innovative policies and proactive
measures.
Through its Department of Gender, the County Government of Kisumu has
developed comprehensive gender equality, sexual harassment, and discrimination
policies. These policies help workers identify behaviours that constitute sexual
harassment, thereby fostering a more aware and responsive workforce. Central to
these policies is the establishment of reporting and handling mechanisms. These
structures create awareness and ensure that sexual harassment issues are
addressed promptly and effectively within the county government.
Understanding that sexual harassment is often intertwined with broader gender
dynamics, Kisumu County recognizes the importance of addressing these issues
comprehensively. The county’s approach includes acknowledging how existing
gender relations can limit and even threaten the collective development of women
and men in the workplace. This holistic understanding is crucial for creating
interventions that foster safer, more productive work environments.
To this end, the Directorate of Gender and Culture in Kisumu organized extensive
training sessions for various county departments. These training sessions aim to
raise awareness and sensitize staff on gender equality, equity, and sexual
harassment in the workplace. The goal is ambitious: to educate 4,500 county
employees, thereby significantly increasing awareness of sexual harassment issues
and teaching staff how to respond to cases effectively. This initiative is a vital step
toward achieving the county government’s zero-tolerance culture for sexual
harassment.
The training also involved radio and print journalism officers recognizing the
transformative role of communication in addressing gender issues to create gender-
sensitive, gender-transformative content that challenges traditional social and
cultural norms. By breaking gender stereotypes and promoting gender equality
through their content, these journalists play a crucial role in shifting societal
attitudes and perceptions regarding gender.
Kisumu County’s efforts are supported by development partners, underscoring the
importance of collaborative approaches in tackling gender harassment. The county’s
policy on sexual harassment is not just a document but a proactive measure that
includes training social workers and enforcement officers. These efforts collectively
contribute to a safer, more equitable workplace that enables Kisumu to thrive.
