KINGSTON, Jamaica—Two males were among the 22 people who submitted claims relating to sexual harassment to the Sexual Harassment Tribunal which started reviewing cases of sexual harassment complaints at the workplace in July last year.

At least half the complaints were from employees in the private sector.

By December 31, 2025, the tribunal had confirmed receipt of the complaints filed by 20 females and two males. The information is outlined in the 2025 edition of the Economic and Social Survey Jamaica, a publication of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ).

“Approximately 50.0 per cent of complaints were received from individuals within the private sector,” said the PIOJ. Other complaints were received from individuals within the public sector – 36.0 per cent – and educational institutions which accounted for 14.0 per cent.

“Some 64.0 per cent of cases reviewed were closed during the period, with 32.0 per cent of cases pending, while 4.0 per cent of cases were withdrawn,” PIOJ said.

Following the implementation of the Sexual Harassment (Protection and Prevention) Act, 2021, the Cabinet in February 2025 approved the establishment of a 14-member Sexual Harassment Tribunal in accordance with the provisions of the Act. The Tribunal is mandated to hear complaints of sexual harassment, and determine appropriate remedial and enforcement actions for breaches identified.

“It marked a significant step in Jamaica’s efforts to combat sexual harassment, providing a dedicated mechanism for the timely and fair resolution of complaints, thereby fostering safer and more respectful working environments,” the planning institute stated.

During the period April–January 2026, a total of 133 sensitisation sessions were facilitated by the Sexual Harassment Investigation Unit, reaching 6,136 people. Overall, 420 organisations were reached, which included 250 staff members across ministries, departments and agencies of the government and 170 staff members in private sector organisations.

PIOJ said support was provided to 69 organisations to draft or review their sexual harassment workplace policies in keeping with the legislation. A total of 77 sexual harassment workplace policies were also reviewed.