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This event will be hosted on Zoom and requires registration using the code GMCSEMINAR. A confirmation email with the Zoom access information will then be emailed to you a few days before the seminar. PLEASE ENSURE YOU REGISTER WITH AN EMAIL REGISTERED WITH ZOOM AS THIS IS REQUIRED FOR SECURITY PURPOSES.
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This study presents findings from focus groups exploring attitudes, beliefs, perspectives, and experiences relevant to workplace sexual harassment (WSH) among men and women farmworkers in California, US, and Michoacán, MX. Focus groups are stratified by country and gender, with two in California (10 men and 10 women) and two in Michoacán (8 men and 5 women). This community-based participatory research approach includes Community Advisory Boards (CABs) consisting of farmworkers, academicians, non-profit organizations, attorneys, industry personnel, and community leaders to enhance study strategy and materials. Themes are related to the experience of, responses to, and farmworker’s recommendations for the prevention of WSH. Although men and women faced WSH, women’s experiences are more severe and frequent. Participants condemn WSH as contrary to principles of “caballerismo” or caballerosidad —cultural values promoting respect for others and protection for vulnerable persons. Participants endorse the notion that women are responsible for WSH. Although farmworkers try to resolve WSH on their own, with help from co-workers, family, and employers, they face significant barriers that silence victims and allow WSH to persist. California farmworkers recommend frequent trainings to familiarize recently arrived migrant workers with local laws and customs. All workers recommend that management set a good example. Women workers want the enforcement of consequences for offenders. Implications include, having a direct appeal to gender-neutral “caballerismo” emphasizing respect, especially for vulnerable persons, in workplace training. Training should also counter the myth that women are responsible for WSH. These findings will support the agricultural community, educators, and organizations working to prevent WSH.