Unveiling the Effects of Workplace Harassment on Women Workers in the Higher Education Institutions, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Abstract

Harassment is a pervasive problem that occurs in various
workplaces, such as in the health sector, organizations, and
educational institutions. The issue of harassment impacts female
workers, with the nature and intensity of these effects varying.
Harassment affects women personally, socially, and psychologically
and has an effect on women's occupations and occupational
performance. This study aimed to understand the personal and
psychological effects of workplace harassment on working women
and aims to assess the effect of harassment on women's
occupational performance. The study employs a quantitative
research method and a phenomenological research design. Data
was collected through a proportionate sampling technique from
female faculty members while employing an interview guide that
consisted of open-ended questions. Data was collected in various
universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which include Hazara
University, the University of Peshawar, and Agriculture University
Peshawar. Data was collected from 15 respondents while the
researcher reached saturation point at the 12th interview. The
collected data was analyzed thematically as suggested by Braun
and Clarke (2006). Three major themes were extracted: personal
effects, psychological effects, and effects on occupational
performance due to workplace harassment. The results show that
workplace harassment (WPH) affects women personally,
psychologically, and professionally. It causes them to face verbal
insults, shouting, and comments from male colleagues, which
lowers their confidence and instills feelings of insecurity.
Additionally, the fear of going alone to the office contributes to
anxiety, depression, and mental stress among female workers.
Furthermore, workplace harassment (WPH) negatively impacts the
occupational performance of female workers, hindering their ability
to focus on their classes, conduct research, and write articles. This
pressure can lead to resignation or force them to change jobs due
to the hostile environment.