UISH is a Nordic research project on sexual harassment at work, where researchers are investigating the implementation of interventions and effects of different methods to prevent sexual harassment in collaboration with the police in Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
Sexual harassment is an obstacle to a safe, inclusive and sustainable work environment. Despite increasing Nordic research on sexual harassment, specific knowledge gaps remain. These gaps are especially related to the intersectional dimensions of sexual harassment and marginalised groups’ particular vulnerability to sexual harassment, and the role of bystanders and perpetrators.
To challenge sexual harassment at work, cultural change and active processes of change and preventive work, which includes the whole organisation, are needed. Researchers within the UISH research team have shown that there are multiple efforts to address sexual harassment within the police, but less focus has been devoted to developing research-based initiatives and implementing these in a systematic manner.
The objective of the Icelandic part of UISH is to develop training that empowers staff to improve their work environment and prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. The training is grounded on the previous research findings on the work culture and gender relations within the police. The training builds on methods that have been developed in the Nordic countries and special emphasis is placed on interactive learning, increased empathy and dialogue between staff. During the development of the training, efforts will be made to increase understanding and knowledge of staff's reactions to actions against sexual harassment in the workplace, especially within the police.
UISH plays a role in promoting inclusive work environment within the Icelandic police. It is foreseen that the training developed in UISH will become part of the mandatory education of police officers and other education that provides increased professional rights within the police. The findings will also be an important contribution to research into sexual harassment in the workplace, and especially how to prevent such harassment within the police.
Fundings
UISH is funded by Nordforsk for the years 2023–2027, 9 million NOK.
UISH is a collaboration between researchers from the University of Iceland, the Norwegian Police University College, Linköping University and police authorities and police unions in Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
