When a girl who has been harassed is repeatedly asked by various authorities to recount her experience-often multiple times and in front of others-it exacerbates her vulnerability. Some people manipulate her emotions for personal gain, creating unnecessary drama, others recount their own experiences, but instead of offering comfort, they frame these stories in a way that amplifies her distress. For instance, they might highlight how they handled similar situations more successfully, implying that she should have done the same. This comparison leaves her feeling inadequate and isolated.

In such a situation, the girl becomes even more vulnerable, unable to differentiate between those who are genuinely supportive and those who are not. Reliving her trauma without genuine support or someone to understand and listen without judgment makes her feel deeply alone. In such times, having a trusted person to offer empathy and guidance is crucial to help her heal and regain confidence.

According to a study by 'Stop Street Harassment', a non-profit organisation, in 2018, 81 per cent of women and 43 per cent of men reported experiencing some form of sexual harassment in their lifetime. Women, in particular, face harassment from a young age in various forms. This makes them feel uncomfortable sharing their experiences, unsure of how their situation will be perceived. High levels of sexual harassment were found in low-paid and insecure sectors of the economy, according to research by Focus on Labour Exploitation.

In a survey I conducted with students and employees from both the private and public sectors, respondents shared that most workplace sexual harassment occurs between those in power and their subordinates, particularly targeting individuals in vulnerable, lower-ranking positions. Some of them were unaware of the sexual harassment policy in their respective institutions, although it is compulsory for workplaces in Nepal to have such a policy under the Sexual Harassment at Workplace (Prevention) Act, 2014 (2071). Many workplaces lack policies or orientation on the matter. Homemakers and daily wage labourers were generally unaware of sexual harassment, reflecting a knowledge gap that leaves them vulnerable.

A report from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) series on 'Sexual Harassment in Nepal' indicated that 90 per cent of policymakers and civil society members, 63.6 per cent of employers and 53.8 per cent of trade unions reported that sexual harassment is alarmingly high among vulnerable workers, such as helpers.

Some studies also show evidence of how such harassments incidents affect the lives of working women.

According to a study done among females at workplace in Dhanusha district, majority of the respondents (25.71%) reported a decrease in working efficacy after experiencing sexual harassment, and 5.71 per cent changed their jobs.

Nepal has laws to address sexual harassment, but the government has not conducted any comprehensive review of these laws and policies. Some research has been undertaken, such as by Pioneer Law Associates in its study titled 'Nepal Introduces Legislation to Address Sexual Harassment at the Workplace'. However, enforcement remains inconsistent, and there have been no recent reviews on the effectiveness of these laws and policies. This underscores the need for strong monitoring and evaluation to ensure their relevance and impact.

In my opinion, there are two key issues at play here. First, there is a significant gap in awareness and education about sexual harassment across different sectors of society. This lack of understanding, particularly in workplaces, among daily wage labourers, and in homes, emphasises the need for comprehensive education and policy implementation. Addressing this issue through targeted awareness programmes and enforcing workplace policies can bridge the knowledge gap and create a safer environment for everyone.

The second, more insidious issue, arises when highly educated professionals-well-versed in policies and regulations-engage in harmful behaviour under the guise of social welfare. Despite their knowledge, they exploit the burden of proof, cleverly manipulating situations and using sarcasm and subtle harassment tactics without leaving evidence. By manipulating the system, these individuals not only harm victims but also erode the very foundations of social justice, leaving victims powerless and isolated.

To address the exploitation of policies by professionals, accountability mechanisms must be strengthened with independent review bodies to ensure transparency and clear consequences. Each institution should offer physical classes or 1-2 hours of online training sessions to ensure staff members are informed and that all staff understand the policies. Training should focus on ethics and recognising subtle forms of harassment, such as sarcasm or emotional manipulation. Safe reporting channels are essential, allowing victims to report harassment confidentially, with support services in place.

Organisations must foster a culture of integrity, where leaders model ethical behaviour and enhance protections for informants. Legal reforms are necessary to address subtle harassment and enforce stricter penalties for exploitative actions. Empowering victims by educating them about their rights and offering support will encourage them to report harassment confidently. Additionally, research and data collection are needed to understand the prevalence and impact of sexual harassment, which will guide evidence-based policymaking.

Finally, shifting societal attitudes to foster empathy will help rebuild survivors' confidence, ensuring safer workplaces and progress toward gender equality.

Shrestha is with Centre for Dalit Women in Nepal