Cabinet approves bill against sexual harassment

KATHMANDU, Oct 27: Have you been indulging in any form of sexual harassment in your work place? If yes, beware! The cabinet on Monday approved a bill against sexual harassment in the workplace. [break]

Offenders may face three-month custody and fine up to Rs 25,000

Not only physical contact, but use of obscene and language and gestures may also be deemed sexual harassment

Institutional head liable to make office environment work-friendly

CDO to investigate and award punishment to the offender

The bill proposes punishment for sexual harassment in all forms and manifestations. Women rights activists have applauded the cabinet move, which aims to create healthy environment in the workplace. “The bill will enable female workers to perform their duties without fearing sexual harassment,” said Constituent Assembly Member Sapana Pradhan Malla. Advocate Malla has long been fighting against sexual harassment in the workplace.

The bill initially drafted by the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare will come into effect after it is passed by the parliament.

According to the Law and Justice Minister Prem Bahadur Singh, those involved in any forms of sexual harassment will be sentenced to three months in prison or be fined up to Rs 25,000. “If the nature of crime is serious, the guilty may be liable to both,” added Minister Singh.

The bill defines sexual harassment not only in terms of physical contact but also in terms of the use of obscene expressions and gestures. Sexual harassment would be taken up as a criminal offense, if the victim formally files complaints against the offender. The bill states that the manager or the head of the institution, where such incident takes place, would be held accountable for not making the office working environment healthy.

On their part, the victims are required to first lodge their complaint with the head of the office. If the head of the office fails to settle the case through negotiation between the victim and the offender, the case is handed over the Chief District Officer (CDO).

The CDO then investigates into the case before awarding punishment to the offender. The bill makes it mandatory for all government and non-government offices to set up a code of conduct for their offices. “Offices are required to put code of conduct on the notice board in their offices and abide by the same,” Minister Singh told myrepublica.com. The Women Commission will monitor and regulate the code of conduct set up by the offices.