The in-coming Code of Conduct governing public servants criminalizes sexual harassment at the workplace, according to the President’s Executive Order #38 signed this week.

Liberian society is plagued with instances of sexual harassment, with women subjected to sex demands from male bosses, usually in exchange for promotions and other benefits. It is an entrenched practice with men in advantageous positions seeing women as trophy.

But if implemented, the practice will be outlawed and punishable under the country’s criminal laws.  The Code of Conduct states:

“Sexual Harassment: A public servant shall avoid unethical and unbecoming behavior such as use of rude, abusive and obscene language, indecent dressing, unreasonable or oppressive supervision and sexual gestures which constitute sexual harassment and hence violation of human rights.

A public servant shall neither be subjected to nor have others subjected to conduct of a sexual   nature, which is unwelcome, unreasonable and offensive.

A sexual suggestive and offensive behavior may manifest itself in such forms as:

a. An employee being forced to choose between acceding to sexual demands or losing job benefits through sexual blackmail.

b. Verbal and non-verbal sexually offensive behavior exhibited by any person.

A public servant who is subjected to sexual harassment shall report such a case with evidence, where applicable, with a view to obtaining redress from the ministry/agency of government that is responsible for investigating civil and criminal offences.

A public servant who has lodged any complaint regarding sexual harassment using the established complaints procedure shall not be unduly victimized.

Remedies for sexual harassment shall be those prescribed under the civil and criminal laws.