Minister for Women's sexual harassment advice

  • 30/11/2017

In the recent wake of sexual abuse allegations against Matt Lauer and Geoffrey Rush, Kiwi workers are being encouraged to step forward if they feel harassed.

Women's Minister Julie Anne Genter says, like most women, she has experienced harassment herself and wants to see a world where women can grow up free of sexual harassment.

Speaking to Three's The Project, she said women facing harassment should go to the Human Rights Commission, where they would receive the best advice for handling the situation.

"I'm encouraging all women out there today, particularly if it's a workplace situation, if you need advice, get in touch with the Human Rights Commission," she said. 

"They can provide you a lot of advice on the appropriate pathway for reporting it, and whether you should or not."

Ms Genter hasn't considered whether it should be mandatory for workplaces to release the data on how many instances of sexual harassment have been reported, but says it's an interesting idea.

While mandatory reporting may not currently be on the table, Ms Genter said employers needed to be aware of their responsibilities under the law to protect their workers.

"Employers have obligations under the employment relations act and employees have rights under the Human Rights Act," she said.

"We need to have plans in place and employers need to know their responsibilities."

Newshub.