Dialogue “Preventing Sexual Harassment: Identifying and Responding”

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

Speaking at the event, Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh, representing the school's leadership, shared: sexual harassment (SHR) is now a global issue, even being raised to a non-traditional security issue, and it is also a problem for our youth. Students of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities need to raise awareness of this issue, be ready to speak up to prevent the above behavior, and join hands to build a safe and friendly learning, working and living environment.

During the discussion, the guests mentioned the current pressing issues of sexual harassment in society. Harassment has many different manifestations, from physical harassment, verbal harassment or even non-verbal behavior. It can occur in all components and subjects in society, from schools, offices to families. Sexual harassment not only causes an unsafe working and learning environment but also directly leaves psychological trauma, even very serious, for the victims. However, the reality is that the victims themselves, when they publicly disclose this behavior, are blamed and discriminated against. And most agencies, units, companies... do not have clear regulations on handling sexual harassment in the workplace.

Many students also boldly shared their experiences or situations they witnessed regarding sexual harassment in society and asked the guests how to respond. The guests provided young people with knowledge and advice on how to identify sexual harassment, who is likely to be a victim of sexual harassment, how to respond to these behaviors, and how to inform and request support from authorities and people around them.

The message of the dialogue is that young people should equip themselves with correct and sufficient awareness of sexual harassment; do not remain silent but courageously speak up and join the community to prevent these behaviors.