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.