Motion no: 14
Congress is deeply concerned by the compelling evidence of the increasing incidence of sexual harassment in the workplace, including sexist ‘jokes’ and ‘banter’, unwanted touching and the growing objectification of women and girls.
Congress is appalled at the findings of research by the NASUWT and other organisations which show that women and girls are increasingly experiencing sexist abuse and harassment, including upskirting and downblousing, online or through social media, particularly in schools.
Congress asserts that this is not only having a damaging impact on the physical and mental health and wellbeing of women teachers but is also creating a climate of premature sexualisation of children, and in particular young girls.
Congress is deeply concerned by the failure of Government to require employers and schools to record and report incidents of sexual harassment and abuse, including through the use of social media or internet.
Congress calls upon the ICTU to campaign for:
(i) greater regulation against online abuse;
(ii) a mandatory requirement on employers to record and report incidents of sexual harassment and abuse in schools and
(iii) changes to the sexual offences legislation to include upskirting and downblousing in the provisions.
