SHARP - Bringing Sexual Harassment into Focus

We recognise that sexual harassment is an issue in the workplace that will not stop on its own, the Sexual Harassment Reporting and Prevention program, SHARP, initiated by Kakuzi, has been established to encourage everyone to have a voice, and focuses on developing a reporting framework across a variety of channels in order to combat these issues.

SHARP week has taken bold steps to create awareness of our revised Sexual Harassment policy, aiming to empower employees through provision of relevant information.

 "SHARP is a great program that serves to make the workplace a safe environment. I am glad to be part of a team that takes harassment seriously."

Michelle Dora, Digital Media Assistant, Kakuzi Plc

Policies supporting the SHARP program outline the importance of communication, while community initiatives help to deflate shame around the subject.

We understand that effective training cannot occur in a vacuum but requires a holistic culture of non-harassment that starts at the top. Both managers and employees are our resource to prevent and stop sexual harassment, all are encouraged to take an active role.

At Kakuzi, each employee has been provided with a wrist band with contacts enabling them to raise concerns and report problems via WhatsApp or text message. This is one of the tools to intervene when one witnesses or experiences harassing behavior.

It is the entire community that benefits when sexual harassment in the workplace is curbed. Simon Odhiambo, General Manager Corporate Affairs, often refers to gender issues as “societal issues,” explaining that “it is unhelpful to take a binary view when the entire community is affected.” Studies demonstrate that a working culture which fosters inclusion and diversity, especially at management level, benefits the business and the welfare of all employees.