Sexual harassment

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Sexual harassment

Sexual harassment is defined by EIGE as ‘any form of unwanted verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature [that] occurs, with the purpose or effect of violating the dignity of a person, in particular when creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment’. It often refers to offensive comments about sexual activity, unwanted sexual advances or suggestions, unwanted or bothersome glances, gossip, and/or comments on one’s body or appearance. It can also include unwanted touching, unsolicited messages, phone calls or pictures of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment can damage the lives, health, and the educational or occupational prospects of the victims (“Towards gender equality in the cultural and creative sectors”, report of the OMC (open method of coordination) working group of member states’ experts, June 2021).