Perception and experiences of sexual harassment among women working in hospitality workplaces of Bahir Dar city, Northwest Ethiopia: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background Workplace sexual harassment is a public health problem that depends on gender, context, and perceived ideology. Although studies have documented the prevalence and consequences of workplace sexual harassment worldwide, victims’ perceptions and experiences are still poorly understood in low and middle-income countries, particularly Ethiopia. Female workers in the hospitality industry, including hotels, bars, restaurants, fast-food restaurants, and cafeterias, are particularly affected. Hence, this study aimed to explore sexual harassment perceptions and experiences among women working in these workplaces. Methods An exploratory qualitative study was conducted from 1 January to 30 August 2019. Data were collected from female employees and key informants from several hospitality workplaces in Bahir Dar City. Data were collected through focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and key-informant interviews. Women who experienced sexual harassment were selected using the snowball method, and key informants were recruited purposefully. Six focus group discussions, ten in-depth interviews, and thirteen key informant interviews were conducted. Data were analysed using the ATLAS ti version 8.4.24. Results In this study, most participants perceived that sexual harassment is pressuring, threatening, touching, abducting sexual advances, and experiencing verbal, physical, and non-verbal types. Similarly, the perceived risk factors were related to the organisations, the customers, and the victims, with the consequences being work-related, health-related, financial-related, and family-related. Conclusions Workplace sexual harassment in hospitality workplaces is poorly understood, but many women experience it. A variety of factors also caused it, and it influenced both organisations and people. Public awareness programs, pre-service preparation, in-service training, prevention, and psychosocial support are needed. Similarly, policies and strategies for the organisations should be developed and implemented.

Health and Well-Being Consequences for Gender Violence Survivors from Isolating Gender Violence

“…First, the two participants who suffered sexual harassment have reported negative health and well-being outcomes caused by the sexual harassment, such as fear, anxiety, depressive symptoms, stomach ache, lack of appetite and insomnia, which are consistent with previous literature [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23]. Evelyn due to the sexual abuse, experienced intestinal pain, adjustment disorder, anxiety, depression, insomnia, panic and chronic stress, which has also been highlighted by research as CSA health and well-being consequences [33,38].…”

“…The physical and psychological health consequences of other types of gender violence such as sexual abuse and harassment have been studied for decades. Regarding mental health, sexual harassment is linked to suffering depressive symptoms [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23], anxiety [20] as well as feelings of shame, humiliation and self-blame [17,18]. Furthermore, an association between sexual harassment in the workplace and suicide and suicide attempts has been found [24].…”

“…Moreover, other research carried out in different workplace settings has shown that women who suffer sexual harassment develop psychological distress, which refers to a psychological condition that is characterized by negative thoughts and feelings related to anxiety, fear or depression [25] and need later psychotherapeutic or pharmacologic treatment [23]. In addition, consequences for job-related aspects such as stress, burnout [20] and job withdrawal [22] are associated with sexual harassment. In relation to physical health, research has detected consequences related to gastrointestinal tract, loss of appetite, nausea, gastritis, stomachache [20], headache, fatigue and menstrual disorders [22].…”

“…In addition, consequences for job-related aspects such as stress, burnout [20] and job withdrawal [22] are associated with sexual harassment. In relation to physical health, research has detected consequences related to gastrointestinal tract, loss of appetite, nausea, gastritis, stomachache [20], headache, fatigue and menstrual disorders [22].…”

Coping strategies and perceived barriers of women hospitality workplace employees to sexual harassment in Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia: a grounded theory approach

“…Managers, cashiers, and customers who worked as merchants, tour guides, and drivers were among the key informants. The participants’ characteristics have been published elsewhere [ 61 ].…”