Key Points
- Workplace sexual abuse affects mental health, dignity, and families.
- Experts call for safe reporting systems and strict anti-harassment policies.
- Courageous cases like Mbatha’s inspire change and challenge systemic abuse.
Sexual abuse in the workplace remains a grim reality for many women in Zimbabwe, highlighting a dark side of employment that often goes unspoken. Labour expert Tichafara Viriri describes the issue as pervasive, affecting both women and men, though women bear the brunt of this systemic abuse.
A chilling reality
Nomsa, a 28-year-old marketing executive, is one of many women whose experience reveals the extent of workplace exploitation. After months of unemployment and the pressure of supporting her family, she landed an interview at a reputable firm.
“I was desperate,” she recalls, her voice trembling. “During the interview, the employer made his intentions clear, asking if I was ‘available’ for after-work meetings.”
Faced with an impossible choice between her dignity and her livelihood, Nomsa felt trapped. Accepting the job came at a great personal cost. “I couldn’t sleep at night. I felt dirty, used, and ashamed,” she said. The ordeal shattered her self-esteem, affected her mental health, and strained her relationships.
Nomsa’s story is not unique. Many women are coerced into enduring sexual advances or entering exploitative relationships with superiors to secure or retain their jobs. The psychological toll is immense, with victims often experiencing anxiety, depression, or even suicidal thoughts.
Breaking the silence
According to a report by Newsday, experts like psychologist Rumbidzai Moyo emphasize the need for safe reporting mechanisms and strict anti-harassment policies to combat this crisis. Fear of retaliation and stigma silences many victims, allowing abusers to act with impunity.
“It’s important to speak out,” Viriri said. “Abuse thrives on silence. Victims often become the accused when they report incidents, and the harm extends beyond individuals, affecting families and communities.”
One high-profile case is that of Lunga Mbatha, who faced years of legal battles after raising sexual harassment charges against her employer. Despite limited resources, Mbatha represented herself in court and secured a landmark victory at the Supreme Court in 2017.
Toward change
Organizations like the Zimbabwe Women’s Lawyers Association and the National Employment Council of Zimbabwe are advocating for legislative reforms and providing support to victims. Efforts are focused on creating workplaces where dignity and respect are non-negotiable.
Nomsa, now determined to inspire change, said: “We deserve dignity, respect, and safety at work. I want to help create a world where women can work without fear of exploitation.”
The call for action is urgent. As cases like Mbatha’s show, courage and persistence can challenge systemic abuse, but broader societal and institutional changes are needed to end workplace harassment once and for all.
