Implications of Harassment Policies on Economic Development: Gender-Inclusive Policy Recommendations from Sunken Voices and Emotions, Dr Randa Diab-Bahman, Dalal Marafie
Dr Randa Diab-Bahman
American International University
Saad Al Abdullah
Kuwait
ORCID: 0000-0003-2325-6706
Dalal Marafie
Women’s Cultural and Social Society (WCSS)
Kuwait
ORCID: 0009-0004-6504-639X
Received: 1st November 2025/ Revised: 5th November 2025/ Accepted: 5th November 2025/ Published: 16th November 2025
Paper Type: Research
Received: 1 November 2025 / Revised: 4 November 2025 / Accepted: 5 November 2025 / Published: 16 November 2025
DOI: 10.47556/J.WJWSD.1.1.2025.5
Purpose: This study explores how anti-harassment policies can reduce inequalities and foster gender-inclusive policymaking in Kuwait, linking these measures to broader economic and social outcomes. It investigates women’s experiences of Workplace Sexual Harassment (WSH), the perceived effectiveness of existing policies, and barriers to reporting such incidents.
Design/Methodology/Approach: This research has followed a qualitative approach where semi-structured interviews conducted with a purposively selected group of female employees across various sectors. The study employs a four-construct framework to capture lived experiences, offering insights into the emotional, social, and professional impacts of WSH and related policy effectiveness.
Findings: The findings indicate that reporting mechanisms remain in their infancy, with weak implementation of existing laws. Cultural taboos, fear of retaliation, and hierarchical constraints discourage reporting. Alarmingly, many women who reported harassment lost their jobs shortly afterward.
Originality/Value: This is a unique study that examines Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in workplaces, highlighting the need for inclusive, enforceable, and impartial anti-harassment frameworks in Kuwait.
Keywords: Anti-Harassment Policies, Workplace Sexual Harassment, Gender-Based Violence, Hierarchical Constraints.
Citation: Diab-Bahman, R. and Marafie, D. (2025): Implications of Harassment Policies on Economic Development: Gender-inclusive policy recommendations from sunken voices and emotions. World Journal of Women and Sustainable Development (WJWSD), Vol. 1, No. 1, pp.43-56.
