Outlook

The torrent of sexual harassment allegations against US film industry giant Harvey Weinstein and subsequent social media campaigns have had ripple effects elsewhere. UK Defence Secretary Michael Fallon had to resign over harassment claims, while France’s national police reported a 23% rise in sexual violence complaints in October compared with the same month in 2016.

However, the impact of the revelations may be confined to the West. In most countries, reporting sexual violence -- let alone sexual harassment -- is constrained by law or culture. This affects not only victims, but also wider society and economic progress. In Uganda, women lose approximately 11 days a year to violent incidents, costing them nearly half a month’s salary. Globally, 1.5 trillion dollars, or 2% of global GDP, is lost due to violence against women.