Dialogue “Preventing Sexual Harassment: Identification and Response”

Joining the dialogue with young people on this topic were Ms. Nguyen Van Anh (Director of CSAGA Center, social activist) and Ms. Cao Thi Hong Van (Vice President and General Secretary of the Vietnam Women Entrepreneurs Association).

Speaking at the event, Professor Pham Quang Minh, representing the university's leadership, shared: Sexual harassment is currently a global issue, even elevated to the level of a non-traditional security issue, and it is also a problem for our own youth. Students of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities need to raise awareness of this issue, be ready to speak out to prevent such behavior, and work together to build a safe and friendly learning, working, and living environment.

During the dialogue, the guests addressed the pressing issues of sexual harassment in society today. Harassment manifests in various ways, from physical and verbal to nonverbal forms. It can occur across different segments of society, from schools and workplaces to families. Sexual harassment not only creates an unsafe work and learning environment but also directly leaves behind psychological trauma, sometimes very serious, for victims. However, a persistent problem is that victims who publicly report this behavior are often blamed and stigmatized. Furthermore, most organizations, companies, and institutions lack clear regulations on handling sexual harassment in the workplace.

Many students also bravely shared their experiences or situations they had witnessed regarding sexual harassment in society and asked the guests about how to respond. The guests provided the young people with knowledge and advice on identifying acts of sexual harassment, who are most likely to become victims of sexual harassment, how to react to such acts, and how to inform and seek support from authorities and those around them.

The message of the dialogue is that young people should equip themselves with a correct and sufficient understanding of sexual harassment; don't remain silent, but bravely raise your voices and work with the community to prevent such behaviors.