US-based international NGO fires managers in Mozambique for alleged sexual harassment – Lusa

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US-based international NGO fires managers in Mozambique for alleged sexual harassment – Lusa

12:13 CAT | 08 Feb 2022

The North American non-governmental organization (NGO) Pathfinder international has fired its country director in Mozambique and other managers for sexual harassment and discrimination, the entity announced today in a statement.

“The dismissals are due to substantiated allegations that violate Pathfinder’s anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies,” the statement reads.

In order to establish the facts, the organization looked for evidence in human resources files on paper and computer systems, with several “anonymous reports” on the subject having been proven, the statement says.

“For the clarification of these types of cases, [Pathfinder] implements a rigorous process of investigation of allegations, to determine if they are substantially substantiated and if they can be verified and validated,” the NGO reports.

The investigation, it continues, is a highly confidential process, aimed at ensuring an effective investigation and protecting the rights of all parties.

In this case, Pathfinder says it followed the organization’s usual practices, and hired external entities unrelated to the institution, including a local law firm, a human resources firm and a translator, in order to avoid compromising the investigation.

The statement does not clarify whether any complaint was made to the authorities and, when contacted by Lusa, the NGO said it would respond later.

Pathfinder notes that it has a zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment, with a program that includes a whistle-blower mechanism through which employees can make anonymous reports of alleged misconduct.

“Pathfinder’s values and policies reflect its mission to protect and promote the rights of women and girls,” the statement said.

Pathfinder, which develops programs in the areas of reproductive health, family planning, HIV/AIDS prevention and maternal health, is now looking for a new country director in Mozambique.

Source: Lusa