The Fiji Women’s Rights Movement (FWRM) has called for stronger and clearer protections against workplace sexual harassment in its submission on the Employment Relations (Amendment) Bill 2025, warning that the issue remains “serious, widespread, and heavily underreported” across the country.
FWRM highlighted that one in five women in Fiji experience sexual harassment at work, with prevalence in some sectors — including hotels and accommodation — rising to 35 percent.
The organisation also noted that 82 percent of cases go unreported, reflecting a climate where victims fear retaliation, stigma, or lack confidence in workplace complaint systems.
“Sexual harassment is a daily reality for far too many working women,” FWRM said in its submission.
“The law must send a clear message that harassment is unacceptable in every workplace, regardless of size or cost.”
FWRM expressed strong support for Section 76 of the proposed Bill, which for the first time criminalises sexual harassment and imposes penalties on both perpetrators and employers who fail to act.
However, the organisation cautioned lawmakers not to dilute employer responsibility.
“Employer obligations must not be weakened due to business size, operational priorities, or financial pressures,” FWRM stressed.
“Safety and dignity at work are fundamental rights, not optional requirements.”
The group endorsed the position of trade unions and the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission (FHRADC), noting that protections must apply equally across all workplaces, including small and micro businesses.
FWRM has urged employers to adopt stronger internal safeguards, including, strengthened workplace sexual harassment policies with clear directives for immediate action when complaints arise, transparent reporting and investigation procedures, designed to protect both complainants and the organisation and inclusive protections covering employees of all genders, sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions.
FWRM also recommended that the Bill be aligned with the ILO Convention C190, which sets global standards on ending violence and harassment in the world of work.
