Sexual Harassment in Higher Education and the Workplace

Sexual harassment in the workplace and in higher education institutions are rampant across the globe. However, rates of reporting remain comparatively low. In Hong Kong, survey after survey across industries and most recently in the higher education sector highlight a problem of epidemic proportions. The #MeToo movement has renewed attention towards the systemic and structural challenges and the importance of addressing these. The Australian Human Rights Commission is currently conducting the National Inquiry into Sexual Harassment in Australian Workplace (National Inquiry) which will deliver solutions that are practical and evidence-based to prevent and effectively address sexual harassment in the workplace. The seminar presents an overview of the National Inquiry, findings from the National Report on Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment at Australian Universities, and broadly the priorities of Australia’s Sex Discrimination Commissioner. There will be an opportunity to situate the experiences of Australia in light of the data and challenges we…