On the report of sexual harassment at MBC, MHRC chairperson on gender and women’s rights committee Stella Twea, says their findings show that more than eight women were allegedly sexually harassed by former director-general Aubrey Sumbuleta.
She says 10 witnesses including former and current female employees testified before the commission including two former MBC board chairpersons
Twea says their findings show that Sumbuleta used to invite the female employees in his office at odd hours where at times he would attempt to touch them inappropriately. She says for those that turned down his advances, he was making their lives difficult at the institution.
According to Twea, Sumbuleta’s actions date back to 2015 when he became director-general of the institution. Twea however, says some of the female employees refused to render their evidence as the matter was not reported to their spouses.
She says however, Sumbuleta denies all the allegations made against him.
In their recommendations, Twea says the commission recommends that Malawi Police Service should institute criminal proceedings against Sumbuleta, and that MBC board should reinstate two women who resigned due to an unfavorable working environment that the former director general created for them.
Twea further says the four women that came forward with the complaints should pursue a civil action against Sumbuleta for compensation, adding that MBC as an employer is liable; hence, should compensate the four.
She further adds that the four women must choose a lawyer of their choice on the matters and that if they won’t afford the particular lawyer, Women Lawyers Association or the Legal Aid Bureau will help.
Follow
www.avantmalawi.com