On this day in 2019, labour, feminist, and human rights allies celebrated the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) adoption of the Violence and Harassment Convention (No. 190). This landmark international standard called upon member states to adopt measures to prevent and eliminate workplace violence and harassment, particularly workplace gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH). While this legal standard was being negotiated, women across the globe spoke out against sexual violence and harassment at work in unprecedented numbers, linking their individual victimisation to the collective experience of persistent GBVH in their workplaces and society simultaneously brought to the forefront by the #MeToo movement.
Zhou Xiaoxuan (or Xianzi) is one of the millions who spoke out. In 2014, Xianzi was sexually harassed by a famous television host during a college internship at China Central Television. When she reported the incident to the police, they persuaded her not to pursue the claim, implying it would harm both her parents’ careers and Xianzi’s reputation. Four years later, inspired by other women sharing their stories, Xianzi posted her account of the incident online.
Instead of receiving an apology, Xianzi was sued in 2018 for defamation. When she counter-sued for sexual harassment, the court rejected her claim. Further hearings were scheduled in May, but were abruptly adjourned without explanation. This high-profile legal battle has generated considerable public interest, especially from a growing feminist movement and young Chinese women – some of whom demonstrated outside the courthouse on the day of Xianzi’s hearing. Experts believe that this public attention has made the Chinese government very cautious in handling the case, explaining the long delays.
