Workplace sexual harassment and violence among women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The objective of the current systematic review and meta analysis was to assess workplace sexual violence among women, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue's magnitude and implications across various professional sectors and geographical locations. A systematic search of six electronic databases was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, including studies published up to April 15, 2023. The JBI Critical Appraisal Tool was used for quality assessment, and a random-effects model calculated the pooled prevalence. Heterogeneity was assessed using I² statistics, with outliers identified through diagnostic and Baujat plots, followed by a leave-one-out meta-analysis. Publication bias was examined using the Doi plot and LFK index, and subgroup analyses explored variations in geographical location, occupational domain, and time period. A total of 912 studies were screened, with 129 meeting inclusion criteria, comprising 333,649 female participants. The pooled prevalence of workplace sexual violence was 26 percent (95 percent CI: 1-32 percent), with substantial variability observed across regions and occupational groups; prevalence was highest in Africa (38 percent, 95 percent CI: 29-47 percent), followed by North America (34 percent, 95 percent CI: 25-43 percent), and Asia (30 percent, 95 percent CI: 17-47 percent). Among occupational groups, security personnel experienced the highest prevalence (44 percent, 95 percent CI: 22-68 percent), while health-care workers were also highly affected (30 percent, 95 percent CI: 24-38 percent). Workplace sexual violence remains a global issue, affecting over a quarter of female workers, with its prevalence influenced by cultural, occupational, and temporal factors. These findings underscore the necessity for tailored interventions, comprehensive workplace policies, and supportive reporting mechanisms, while ongoing monitoring and evidence-based strategies are essential to mitigate risks, protect employees, and foster safer workplace environments worldwide.