Policy for Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (PSEA) & Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace

Purpose

Media Analysis and Research Center (MARC) is committed to preventing sexual exploitation and sexual abuse (SEA) and sexual harassment at the workplace. This policy outlines MARC’s zero-tolerance approach to SEA and sexual harassment and provides guidelines for preventing, reporting,and responding to SEA and sexual harassment incidents.

Scope

The scope of this policy extends to all individuals and entities associated with Media Analysis and Research Center (MARC), including:

All permanent, temporary, and contract employees of MARC; external consultants and experts hired by MARC; external contractors and vendors hired by MARC; organizations and individuals partnering with MARC on projects, programs, and  activities; individuals and communities benefiting from
MARC’s projects, programs, and activities; members of MARC’s Board of Directors; individuals volunteering their time and services to MARC; students and individuals interning with MARC; and individuals and organizations subcontracted by MARC’s contractors to provide goods and services.

Definitions

1. Sexual Exploitation: Any actual or attempted abuse of position of vulnerability, differential power,or trust, for sexual purposes.
2. Sexual Abuse: The actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.
3. Sexual Harassment: Any unwelcome sexual behavior, whether verbal, non-verbal, or physical, that creates a hostile or intimidating work environment.

Principles

• Zero Tolerance
  MARC adopts a zero-tolerance policy towards Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) and sexual harassment. This means that any form of SEA or sexual harassment will not be tolerated, condoned, or ignored. All incidents will be taken seriously, investigated thoroughly, and addressed promptly.
• Prevention
  MARC is committed to  preventing SEA and sexual harassment. To achieve this, MARC will:
• Provide regular training and awareness-raising programs for all employees, partners, and beneficiaries on SEA and sexual harassment.
• Prevention.
• – Develop and enforce a code of conduct that outlines expected behavior and consequences for SEA and sexual harassment.
• – Ensure that all employees, partners, and beneficiaries understand the policy and procedures for reporting and responding to SEA and sexual harassment incidents.
• – Conduct thorough background checks and screening for all employees, partners, and contractors.
• – Establish safe and confidential reporting mechanisms for SEA and sexual harassment incidents.

3. Reporting
MARC ensures that all SEA and sexual harassment incidents are reported and documented. This includes:

• Establishing a clear and confidential reporting mechanism for SEA and sexual harassment incidents.
• Ensuring that all employees, partners, and beneficiaries know how to report SEA and sexual harassment incidents.
  – Documenting all reported incidents, including the nature of the incident, the parties involved, and the actions taken.
• Notifying the relevant authorities, such as law enforcement or child protection agencies, as required.

Prevention Measures

1. Training and awareness-raising: MARC will provide regular training and awareness-raising on SEA and sexual harassment prevention  to all employees and partners.
2.  Screening and selection: MARC will ensure that all employees and partners are thoroughly screened and selected to prevent hiring individuals with a history of SEA or sexual harassment.
   3. Code of conduct: MARC will develop and enforce a code of conduct that outlines expected behavior and consequences for SEA and sexual harassment.
   4. Safe reporting mechanisms: MARC will establish safe and confidential reporting mechanisms for SEA and sexual harassment incidents.

Reporting and Response

1. Reporting: All SEA and sexual harassment incidents must be reported immediately to the designated focal point.
2. Investigation: MARC will conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into all reported SEA and sexual harassment incidents.
3.  Action: MARC will take prompt and decisive action against individuals found to have committed SEA or sexual harassment, including disciplinary action, dismissal, and reporting to law enforcement agencies.

Compliance with Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act 2013

MARC will adhere to the provisions of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act 2013,
including:

1. Constitution of Internal Committee: MARC will constitute an Internal Complaints Committee to investigate and redress complaints of sexual harassment.
2. Reporting of incidents: MARC will ensure that all incidents of sexual harassment are reported to the Internal Complaints Committee and the relevant authorities.
3. Provision of support services: MARC will provide support services to victims of sexual harassment, including counseling and medical assistance.

Accountability

1. MARC shall ensure that all employees and partners are aware of their responsibilities and obligations under this policy.
2. MARC shall establish a system of accountability for SEA and sexual harassment incidents, including regular reporting and review.

Review and Revision

This policy will be reviewed and revised as necessary, at least every two years.

Acknowledgement

All MARC employees and partners must acknowledge that they have read, understood, and will
comply with this policy.