As Bangladesh grapples with workplace safety issues, a recent international study uncovered that female journalists in the country are nearly six times more likely to encounter sexual harassment compared to their male counterparts. The survey, encompassing 339 media professionals in Bangladesh, disclosed that 60% of female respondents experienced verbal sexual harassment, in contrast to 9% of male respondents. The study was part of a broader research initiative conducted by WAN-IFRA Women in News, City, St George’s, University of London, and BBC Media Action, involving over 2,800 media professionals across 21 countries.
The findings indicated that 17% of female media professionals in Bangladesh had encountered workplace sexual harassment, with a significant portion opting not to report these incidents. Moreover, the report highlighted that in 43% of the reported cases, employers did not take appropriate action. The survey also revealed that 48% of women faced online sexual harassment related to work, while only 15% of men reported similar experiences. Additionally, 24% of women reported physical sexual harassment, compared to 4% of men who disclosed such encounters.
The reluctance to report incidents was attributed to concerns over potential career repercussions, as most survivors in Bangladesh chose to remain silent. Among female media professionals who experienced verbal harassment, 52% did not report the abuse, and in 43% of the reported cases, employers did not intervene. Lindsey Blumell from City, St George’s, University of London, emphasized the detrimental impact of sexual harassment on job satisfaction and industry retention, regardless of the form it takes.
The study highlighted varying rates of sexual harassment across regions, with Africa reporting the highest at 33%, followed by the Arab region at 31%, Southeast Asia at 19%, and Ukraine at 12%. Susan Makore, the managing director of WAN-IFRA Women in News, underscored the significance of addressing unreported cases, signaling broader issues of workplace culture, trust, and accountability within the media industry. She emphasized that sexual harassment is not just an isolated problem but a systemic barrier affecting participation, retention, and leadership in journalism.
