Sexual harassment in a residential occupation: The experiences of women seafarers

Abstract

Objective This paper reports women seafarers’ experiences of sexual harassment.

Design Data reported in this paper were collected as part of a larger study exploring company policies and practices relating to women seafarers and the experiences of women seafarers themselves.

Setting Data reported here was collected with women from seven countries worldwide.

Method Thirty-three in-depth interviews and two focus groups were conducted with women seafarers working in the cargo sector of the shipping industry.

Results Sexual harassment is commonly experienced by women working on board cargo vessels. The residential and isolated nature of the ship can both increase opportunities for sexual harassment to occur and amplify the negative consequences of sexual harassment.

Conclusion Shipping companies should develop and implement high profile policies on sexual harassment. Further research should be undertaken on sexual harassment in other residential occupational groups.

Keywords

women sexual harassment seafarers ships

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