Sexual Harassment in Higher Education and the Workplace

Sexual harassment in the workplace and in higher education institutions are rampant across the globe. However, rates of reporting remain comparatively low. In Hong Kong, survey after survey across industries and most recently in the higher education sector highlight a problem of epidemic proportions. The #MeToo movement has renewed attention towards the systemic and structural challenges and the importance of addressing these. The Australian Human Rights Commission is currently conducting the National Inquiry into Sexual Harassment in Australian Workplace (National Inquiry) which will deliver solutions that are practical and evidence-based to prevent and effectively address sexual harassment in the workplace. The seminar presents an overview of the National Inquiry, findings from the National Report on Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment at Australian Universities, and broadly the priorities of Australia’s Sex Discrimination Commissioner. There will be an opportunity to situate the experiences of Australia in light of the data and challenges we face in Hong Kong and explore the role of different processes and bodies in addressing the challenge of tackling sexual harassment. Speaker: Kate Jenkins is Australia’s Sex Discrimination Commissioner. Her purpose is to advance gender equality, consistent with the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Kate is leading a number of projects including the National Inquiry and the Commission’s collaborative project on cultural reform with the Australian Defence Force. She is also the Co-Convenor of the National Male Champions of Change group established in 2015 and the Co-Chair of Play by the Rules. Prior to joining the Commission, Kate spent three years as the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner and 20 years as lead equal opportunity partner with Herbert Smith Freehills, and many years serving on the boards of Berry Street Victoria, Heide Museum of Modern Art, and Carlton Football Club.