Enhancing Awareness of Prevention and Response to Sexual Misconduct in the Workplace

On 19 July 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) Thailand and the Ministry of Public Health's (MoPH) Anti-Corruption Operation Center (ACOC) co-hosted an orientation workshop in Bangkok. The workshop aimed to enhance the understanding of, and response to, workplace misconduct. Approximately 50 participants attended, composed of primarily MOPH officials serving as PRS (Prevention and Response to Sexual Misconduct) focal points across 20 departments, Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) implementing partners, and officers from the World Vision Foundation of Thailand. Their training revolved around the practical applications of PRS and incorporating Gender Equality, Health Equity, and Human Rights (GER) values.

The workshop opened by addressing the concerns of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH), setting a tone of collective responsibility. Participants were introduced to practical strategies for managing these issues. The LIVES strategy—Listen, Inquire, Validate, Enhance Safety and Support—was highlighted as a core approach for tackling such concerns. The initiative underscored the need for transparent staff policies, effective communication, and public awareness in combating these challenges. 

Dr. Olivia Nieveras, Medical Officer of WHO Thailand and the Focal Point for PRS, welcomed the participants to the workshop and underscored WHO's stand against sexual misconduct and its ‘zero-tolerance’ policy against SEAH. She reiterated the importance of a safe workspace and laid out WHO's strategic approach: victims and survivors at the heart of our work, prioritize transparency and accountability, and to be a reliable, respected, and active partner.

Ms. Suchada Warinvej, ACOC's Senior Plan and Policy Analyst, presented Thailand's PRS legal and policy frameworks, highlighting MoPH's and ACOC's dedication to effectively addressing workplace sexual misconduct. She noted the Gender Equality Act and MoPH's PRS-inclusive anti-corruption policy, emphasizing collective responsibility. To conclude, participants were invited to sign a Preventing and Responding to Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PRSEAH) pledge, signalling personal commitment against such misconducts.

Ms. Napapan Der Kinderen, WHO Thailand's PRS Consultant, led a session on responding to SEAH. Addressing societal norms, stigma, and stereotypes, she emphasized the importance of prompt reporting and effective response. The session also introduced participants to role-play exercises to better understand these issues, emphasizing the need for a gender-equitable, rights-based approach to health programming.

Throughout the workshop, discussions underlined the significance of confidential reporting channels, like the hotline 1300, providing victims a secure platform to voice their experiences. This joint initiative between WHO and ACOC underscores the importance of coordinated efforts in promoting a safer, inclusive work environment, free from abuse, exploitation, and harassment. It highlighted the power of collective action, marking a step forward in the pursuit of safe, respectful, and accountable workplaces.

#WHOThailand #ACOC #EndSEAH #SafeWorkplaces #CollectiveAction #GenderEquality #HealthEquity #HumanRights