Immigrant workers in Guyana are among those experiencing sexual harassment and exploitation, with the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security reporting a trend involving both male and female workers.
Dr Cona Husbands, Head of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit disclosed the concern while outlining findings on gender-based violence, workplace harassment and discrimination.
“We also know that men also are affected and we have seen a trend where immigrants are being sexually harassed and exploited,” Husbands said.
Dr Husbands was at the time speaking at the launch of the Gender Equality and Empowerment Seal.
According to Dr Husbands, sexual harassment has also been increasing more broadly over the past year with some victims turning to social media to publicly share their experiences.
“Over the recent year we have seen an increase in sexual harassment, you also have seen that on social media where some persons would have reported their issues publicly.
We have seen also labour exploitation and abuse so we know that it’s here and it’s prevalent,” she said.
While men are also affected, Husbands said women continue to be disproportionately affected by sexual harassment and sexual violence. She said some victims may refrain from reporting incidents because they fear losing their jobs or their source of income.
“Women who experience violence, for fear of loss of empowerment or wages, they may not report it,” Husbands said.
She explained that some women may need time away from work for counselling, court appearances or other support but may instead choose to endure what they are experiencing because they want to keep their jobs and earnings.
She further noted that findings revealed that gender-related challenges in the workplace affect both sexes.
“We found that women and men, not just women only, they face gender issues ranging from discrimination, gender biases, sexual harassment,” Dr Husbands said.
According to Dr Husbands, the concerns extend to the treatment of workers with family responsibilities, including childcare and reproductive health needs.
“A woman being late to drop off her child to school, asking for time to attend clinic, we do understand that we do have that also to deal with,” she said.
The comments were made as Dr Husbands outlined the ministry’s work between 2021 and 2025, during which it conducted more than 30 engagements with public and private sector organisations on gender and development, gender-based violence and workplace harassment. Almost 1,000 people were reached through sensitisation and consultations.
Source: NEW ROOMS SITE
