#MeToo wave hits Australia, country to launch nationwide probe on workplace harassment

#MeToo focuses on empowering women, allowing the latter to come up with stories of harassment they may have faced during work or at other times.

Riding the wave, Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Kate Jenkins, has announced that the country will commission a nationwide probe into sexual harassment at workplace.

"The spotlight on sexual harassment and the #MeToo⁠ ⁠ movement has turned the tide and created a clear and unprecedented appetite for change. The @AusHumanRights National Inquiry is an Australian, and we believe world-first response to this issue," Jenkins' tweet read.

According to an official release, the probe will be carried on for a period of 12 months and will incorporate individuals and organisations from all over Australia.

"These personal accounts have made clear the devastating impact sexual harassment can have on individuals’ lives, as well as the significant costs to business and the community," the release quoted Jenkins as saying.

“This spotlight on sexual harassment has turned the tide and created a clear and unprecedented appetite for change.

“I am delighted to announce that the Australian Human Rights Commission will be undertaking this National Inquiry into sexual harassment in Australian workplaces, and I commend the Australian Government on their decision to fund this work,” she added.

The Australian Human Rights Commission website states that: "In 2009 – 2010, 21% of all complaints to the Australian Human Rights Commission were under the Sex Discrimination Act, and 88% of those complaints related to sex discrimination in the workplace. The wide use of new technologies such as mobile phones, email and social networking websites creates new spaces where sexual harassment may occur."

The probe is expected to cost Australia $900,000 in Australian Dollars (USD 665,000) and will be carried out under the guidance of Jenkins.

Image: twitter.com/Kate_Jenkins_