OSCE supports roundtable discussion in Kazakhstan on countering sexual harassment in workplace

ASTANA, 11 November 2016 - An OSCE-supported roundtable discussion on addressing sexual harassment in the workplace took place today for some 40 members of Parliament, high-level government officials and civil society representatives in Astana, Kazakhstan. It was aimed at supporting the host country in implementing the OSCE Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality.

Participants discussed the terminology of sexual harassment and other forms of violence as well as the dynamics of employee-employer, employee-employee and employee-client relations, including aspects of the legal responsibility of the commercial entity and its representatives. The roundtable discussion allowed for a review of approaches for addressing all forms of sexual violence at the workplace – non-discrimination and labour laws and policies, the place of criminal law and the legal responsibilities of employers. It also focused on how state, business and non-governmental organizations can prevent sexual violence and ensure support to individuals subjected to it.

“Kazakhstan has undoubtedly made significant progress in the promotion and protection of women's rights and gender equality,” said Ambassador György Szabó, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana. “OSCE participating States can share the experience and practices that have served their countries well in making the workplace a safe environment for everyone.”

Elena Tarassenko, Deputy Head of the National Commission on Women’s Affairs and Family-Demographic Policy under the President, said: “Sexual harassment remains a fairly taboo topic in our society. As such, there is a need to address this form of discrimination directly by developing and implementing effective mechanisms to respond to such threats in the workplace.”

As a result of the event, participants prepared recommendations for the National Action Plan of a new Concept on Gender and Family Policy.

The event was co-organized by UN Women, the OSCE Programme Office in Astana and the National Commission on Women’s Affairs and Family-Demographic Policy under the President.