ADAPTION, ENGAGEMENT, AND EVOLUTION OF PARLIAMENTS IN A RAPIDLY CHANGING COMMONWEALTH 64th COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY CONFERENCE Kampala, Uganda 22 to 29 September 2019 Conference Workshop G (Gender Topic) - 27 September 2019
FOSTERING A CULTURE OF RESPECT, FAIRNESS AND DIGNITY: SEXUAL HARASSMENT HAS NO PLACE IN LEGISLATURES Moderator: Hon. Syda Namirembe Bbumba, MP (Uganda), CWP President Discussion Leaders: • Hon. Margaret Mitchell, MSP (Scotland) • Hon. Anahila Kanongata’a-Suisuiki, MP (New Zealand) • Hon. Sharon Claydon, MP (Australia Federal) • Dr Lesley Clark, CWP Alumni Champion and former Member of the Queensland Parliament Rapporteurs: Hope Kasedde and Henry Odetta (Parliament of Uganda)
This workshop session focused on the ways in which Parliaments can effectively combat bullying and harassment in the workplace. It explored practical strategies that can be implemented to prevent sexual harassment and bullying with in Parliaments, which has become common culture and normalised behaviour. This workshop topic was also discussed in a session at the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Conference a few days previously and called for an in-depth engagement. Hon. Margaret Mitchell, MSP (Scotland) called for openness, fairness and equality among Members and parliamentary
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staff, emphasising a culture of respect catering to diversity, inclusiveness and adherence to the code of conduct. There had been an observed failure to report matters of sexual harassment by victims because of the embarrassment and dent on their careers. Hon. Anahila Kanongata’aSuisuiki, MP (New Zealand) argued against the language used in descriptions of sexual harassment as incomplete and limiting. The panelist highlighted a recent inquiry into sexual harassment carried out by the New Zealand Parliament, whose recommendations centered on upholding culture, values and leadership.
Hon. Sharon Claydon, MP (Australia Federal) thanked the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) for championing the issues of women Parliamentarians, paying tribute to those who led earlier struggles in legislation which has engendered respect and fairness. The panelist advocated for equality in representation by gender in Parliaments as is the case in the Federal Parliament of Australia. Dr Lesley Clark, CWP Alumni Champion spoke about the push for appropriate education, training and a code of conduct in addressing sexual harassment, noting the lack of support to sexual harassment victims.
