Since its establishment following the enactment of the Sexual Harassment (Protection and Prevention) Act in July 2023, the Sexual Harassment Investigation Unit has held sensitisation sessions with 28,430 participants.

The participants include the public/private sector, community groups as well as educational and faith-based organisations. Participants included 11,695 males and 16,735 females from a total of 431 sessions up to November 27, 2023.

The unit is responsible for handling matters regarding sexual harassment in the workplace.

Gender Minister, Olivia Grange, provided the update on Tuesday during a statement in the House of Representatives where she noted Jamaica’s participation in activities to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (IDEVAW) on November 25, which signalled the start of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence observed annually up to December 10.

“The international theme, ‘Investing to Prevent Violence against Women and Girls’ as well as Jamaica’s theme, ‘From Response to Preparedness: Eliminating Gender-based Violence in Jamaica,’ resonate deeply with the challenges faced by women and girls globally. The annual observance of IDEVAW serves to remind us of the prevalent issue of violence against women and girls. It requires our collective attention, advocacy, activism and action,” Grange said.

“The campaign against gender-based violence calls on citizens to show how much they care about ending violence against women and girls. It also requires that governments and other stakeholders worldwide make huge investments in gender-based violence prevention. The local theme …aims to highlight Jamaica’s commitment and responsiveness in addressing gender-based violence,” she added.

Grange told the House that the Sexual Harassment Investigation Unit supports the work of the Bureau of Gender Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport in general. The Unit consists of one senior sexual harassment investigative officer and three sexual harassment investigative officers. Their main duties and responsibilities include: · Interviewing complainants, witnesses and employees regarding cases of alleged sexual harassment

· Providing technical/logistical support to the Sexual Harassment Tribunal

· Coordinating training for tribunal and authorised members

· Conducting sexual harassment sensitisation sessions in various organisations, institutions, ministries, departments and agencies and NGO’s extensive sensitisation sessions.