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How UAE women can overcome harassment at workplace

The employee has the right to report or speak about his/her difficulty taking into consideration safety and through a confidential approach.

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Every individual has the right to be aware, identify the various types of harassment and take necessary supportive measures.
The law prohibits employers from creating a hostile work environment through retaliation. "No one deserves abuse at any time for any reason. If there is a mistake made or something done wrong at work, it is expected to be corrected and perhaps even disciplined and after a prescribed number of written warnings or other disciplinary actions and even termination," said Ghanima Al Bahri, Care and Rehabilitation Director at Dubai Foundation for Women and Children. However, no one can be abused with such inappropriate behaviour at the work environment.
How are UAE women harassed at workplaces
She said that proactive intervention is very important for anyone to deal with abuse in the workplace. "It is tedious and confusing for the victim to make a decision as often the abuse includes physical or mental mistreatment and improper use of power to threaten, gain control or intimidate, for no fault of theirs."
The first line of defence of an abused employee is within the company. The employee has the right to report or speak about his/her difficulty taking into consideration safety and through a confidential approach.
"The principle nature of any bully is to pick or target people who do not retaliate and stand up for their own rights. This is similar to the workplace environment," she said.
Ways in which the UAE law protects female workers
Once an abuser is warned as per the company rules he/she may back off. But it may be in an attempt to save face, the abusive behaviour may escalate or the abuser may find other ways to punish the victim.
An abuser will never stop abusing if there is no action taken against him/her. It will be a fact that the abuser had one before you and there will be one after you, unless something is done to break the cycle.
"Once you are victim of a workplace tyrant, it begins to internalise blame and build in a sense of helplessness. So it is necessary to learn that falling into such negativity traps takes toll on health, affecting general well-being and self-esteem," she added.

Actions that can be taken

by Amira Agarib/ Khaleej Times
Harassment in the workplace is any unwanted action/comment/bullying behaviour/s that causes insult and degrades or humiliates the person termed as the 'sufferer.'
Abuse and harassment at workplace is never the victim's fault. Hence, it is helpful to get support and talk to someone you trust.
Call organisations that can help such as DFWAC and Ministry or Labour.
Speak to a trained counsellor/officer who can provide adequate information and guidance.
Approach Human Rights Department to seek support/report abuse over social media/Internet.
Get legal advice to understand your rights/options before proceeding for any police complaint/action against the abuser.
Keep copies of all official documents you submit and/or receive from the time of accepting the offer/joining the company.
Always be informed and try to educate yourself of workplace policies.
In case your company issues policy manuals it will be helpful to have a copy.
If the workplace does not have a sexual harassment policy, seek support from a person in authority that you trust.
Usually complaints can be made to the Human Resources Department. If the abuse or harassment continues and no action had been taken, go to the next person in authority.
Learn or improve on your assertive skills and verbal self-defence.
Maintaining a log of abusive actions/comments may help defend your especially to decide when enough is enough.
Let the harasser know that their behaviour is not acceptable
Do not confront the harasser, if you feel it will put you in danger especially if it is the direct manager or supervisor.
Try to talk to more than one person who is trustworthy, and provide them with documentation of the incidents
Make a medical report if you are a victim of physical or sexual assault on time.
If you think a co-worker may be abused, talk to her and let her know that help is available.
Be careful to consider/discuss the circumstances of the abuser as well as abuse during the time of seeking support in order to receive adequate guidance to make final decisions.
Think about the repercussions whether or not you decide to file an official written complaint.
Try to weigh the cost of staying in your current work situation against the cost of leaving.
In case it is affecting your mind and body, best is to remove yourself from the situation.
Women should be encouraged to speak out
by Sherouk Zakaria/ Khaleej Times
One in five UAE women are subject to harassment at work place, according to a study conducted locally.
Dr Salem Al Salim, a human resource expert who conducted the study, said that he tried to define sexual harassment. As per the study, the first offence started with verbal harassment and exchanging of phone numbers.
He said that there is a need to draft a specialised law. "Sexual harassment cases should be treated confidentially to reduce this crime and to encourage women to speak out," he added.
Dr Salem is now pushing for a law by putting a definition and punishment. He also wants an allocated hotline to ensure that women can report without fear of losing their jobs.
Positive attitude helps
by Amira Agarib/ Khaleej Times
Positive affirmations and self-talk help build a strong mental wall thereby mentally vaccinating your thoughts and behaviour.
Accept yourself as a good person and make sure that work is just part of your day, not your whole day helps to cope with such stressors.
Take up some hobbies during leisure time.
Spend time with friends who are positive, like-minded and can listen so that you are able to build your own ventilation path.
It is also good to understand the abuser's personality, motives and tactics that leads to the abusive behaviour. Reason for this could be his/her insecurities or anger which do not necessarily stem from work-related experiences.
sherouk@khaleejtimes.com