GENDER DISCRIMINATION AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG FEMALE BANK WORKERS OF ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Problem statement: Sexual harassment and gender discrimination at work place has significant consequences for the Employee health and psychological wellbeing, some of the consequences include decreased job satisfaction; job loss and career interruption. It is one form of gender based violence and hampers women active participation in the labor force. This has an impact on women empowerment which is one of the millennium development goal .This study was designed to assess the magnitude of gender discrimination and sexual harassment in Addis Ababa banks. Objectives of the study: The main objectives of the study were to assess gender based discrimination and sexual harassment among female workers and associated factors in banks of Addis Ababa. Methods: The study was quantitative study method where it was conducted in Addis Ababa city in banks. The design was cross-sectional study design. The sample size was determined using population proportion formula and the sampling technique was stratified sampling technique. The data was collected using a structured standardized pretested questionnaire and the data was entered in EPI info software and was analyzed by SPSS version 15 after transferring it and analyzed using univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis technique. Results: The prevalence of gender discrimination and sexual harassment from DEC2010- FEB2011 was found to be 35.3% and 26.6% respectively in the banks. There was association of sexual harassment and gender discrimination with poor career satisfaction ( AOR 2.43, 95% CI 1.4, 4.2) for sexual harassment and poor job satisfaction and AOR 2.34, 95% CI 1.4, 3.89) for gender discrimination and poor job satisfaction) and with depression AOR 2.15, 95% CI 1.2,3.76 and AOR 2.4, 95% CI 1.37,4.9 respectively. Conclusion and recommendation: Despite many efforts done there still exists gender based discrimination and sexual harassment at work place even in the formal labor market. Social policy initiatives to elevate women status have to be implemented as these gender based violence arise due to their low status in the society and such policies have the potential to emancipate women from these violations.