China’s first guidance on combating sexual harassment of women in the workplace gets mixed response
- Reference text is a step forward, experts say, but details are lacking in some areas
- Leading #MeToo movement figure says it does not address problem of imbalance of power
The guidance, issued by the Supreme People’s Court and five government agencies including the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, could be used as a reference when establishing a system or drafting employment contracts, according to a joint directive released on March 8 – International Women’s Day.
Experts said the issuing of the first such guidance was a step forward, but there were concerns about effective execution.
“This is quite novel,” said Yao Junchang, a lawyer specialising in labour and employment law at Beijing Weiheng Law Firm. He said it was the first time China had issued something so specific targeting sexual harassment of women in the workplace.
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“It offers a more detailed explanation for previous legal provisions on sexual harassment and increases protection of women,” Yao said.