Abstract

Background:
Sexual harassment in the workplace is a critical but underreported public health issue with profound implications for physical, psychological, and reproductive health. In conservative societies such as Syria, where cultural taboos hinder open discussion, the health burden of harassment remains largely hidden, yet its effects on women’s well-being, safety, and occupational participation are severe.

Objective:
This study examined gender-based differences in sensitivity, perception, and responses toward workplace sexual harassment in the Syrian workforce, with a particular focus on its public health consequences and implications for women’s empowerment.

Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 344 individuals (73.5% women) from various sectors in Syria using a 30-item validated questionnaire. Participants were presented with common workplace scenarios and asked to classify behaviors as harassment, identify determinants, and report personal coping strategies. Data were analyzed using Chi-square tests with a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results:
Findings revealed significant gender differences in defining and reacting to harassment. Women were more likely than men to classify behaviors such as physical touch, inappropriate content, and coercive suggestions as harassment (p < 0.05). Coping strategies also differed: 69.6% of women reported confronting the harasser compared to 54.9% of men, while 33% of men chose to remain silent. Alarmingly, 57.6% of workplaces lacked any code of conduct or reporting mechanism, leaving victims vulnerable. Nearly half of respondents reported experiencing harassment, highlighting its prevalence.

Conclusion:
Workplace sexual harassment in Syria is both a gender equity issue and a pressing public health concern. Its consequences—ranging from post-traumatic stress to reduced occupational engagement—threaten women’s safety, mental health, and participation in the workforce. Culturally sensitive interventions are urgently needed, including awareness campaigns, protective legislation, and workplace policies that safeguard women’s rights. Addressing this issue is not only essential for individual well-being but also for advancing maternal health, gender equity, and societal development.

Keywords: Sexual harassment, Public health, Gender differences, Women’s well-being, Workplace safety, Syria