Why Does Sexual Harassment Happen?

To prevent sexual harassment, we first need to understand why it happens.In this episode, Rosie Wheen draws on insights from Cara Gleeson, Director of the Our Watch Institute, and Professor Michael Flood, researcher and advocate on men, masculinities, and gender at QUT.Together, they unpack how gender inequality, power, and discrimination intersect — and how rigid stereotypes about masculinity can fuel harmful behaviour.This Podette invites reflection and dialogue: What are the beliefs and structures in your workplace that allow disrespect to persist — and what would it take to shift them?🗣️ Use this Podette in Your Workplace Discussion1. Set the Scene (5 minutes)Revisit ground rules: respect, confidentiality, listening without judgment.Link this conversation to your organisation’s purpose and values.Acknowledge the topic may be challenging; share internal and external support contacts (e.g. 1800RESPECT).Intention example: “We’re here to understand the ‘why’ behind sexual harassment, and explore what that means for how we lead and work together.”2. Listen Together (5 minutes)Play the Podette as a group.Invite participants to jot down one insight or question.3. Open Reflection (10–15 minutes)Suggested prompts:What stood out to you most from this Podette?How do power and gender dynamics show up in our workplace?What beliefs about masculinity or hierarchy might be influencing our culture?Where do we see opportunities to model respect and inclusion every day?4. Action Steps (10 minutes)Ask: “What’s one small shift we can make, starting today, that challenges stereotypes and builds respect?”Capture and commit to one action; agree how to revisit it.5. Close (5 minutes)Thank everyone for their participation and reflection. Reinforce support pathways (internal HR contacts, 1800RESPECT, or EAP).End with appreciation for courage, curiosity, and care.Great resources to share with your teamsOur Watch -Changing the landscape - https://www.ourwatch.org.au/change-the-story/changing-the-landscape💡 Learn more about Professor Michael Flood’s work:  http://www.xyonline.net/category/authors/michael-floodBook, Engaging Men and Boys in Violence Prevention (2019). Available FREE from:https://xyonline.net/content/new-book-engaging-men-and-boys-violence-preventionRecommended Not in My Workplace episodes Engaging men in prevention and as alliesProfessor Michael Flood | He/Him | Internationally recognised researcher on men, masculinities, and gender, and an advocate and educator, based at the Queensland University of Technology in Australia.https://open.spotify.com/episode/6asZMH5GWxS7S9iu64JgAY?si=9c6ef20f5d014a4d Diversity and Inclusion, an invitation to allTarang Chawla | He/Him | Victorian Multicultural Commissioner and Founder of Not one more Niki https://open.spotify.com/episode/4aSZ6c2jZnHZ1gywdzIVIo?si=cf94d4e83a90419d Identifying and using your Personal Power in the workplace Julia Banks | She/Her | Author, Leadership consultant, Keynote speaker, Lawyer, Former Federal MPhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/7gccScr7rG81VRXaaZGUwJ?si=8cdd274d52444876