Sexual Harassment in the Movie Industry: A Study on the Experiences of Actresses in Ghana’s Film Industry

Abstract

Sexual harassment remains a serious problem in many industries around the world and the Ghanaian film industry is no exception. This study sought to explore the sexual harassment experiences of actresses in the Ghanaian film industry, the various forms and nature of sexual harassment in the film industry, the responses to sexual harassment as well as the effects it has on actresses. A qualitative approach was used in this research. Data collection was done by conducting semi-structured interviews with eight actresses in the film industry of Ghana who were purposively sampled because of their willingness to share their experiences. The study found that, there is tolerance and normalization of sexual harassment in the Ghanaian film industry. The competition in the movie industry was highlighted to be a contributing factor. The study also found that sexual harassment happens at the early stage of actresses’ career. The study further found that, the intimate working environments of the film industry provided opportunities for sexual harassment to take place. Also, deceit and threats were found to be the strategies used by perpetrators. The study also found that directors were the main perpetrators of the act. Sexual harassment manifests mostly as quid pro quo according to the study. In response to the act, Sexual Harassment Informants either avoided their perpetrators or devised a way to cope with them and continue working with them. Sexual Harassment Informants didn’t see the need to report victims. The effects of sexual harassment as found by the study includes; emotional damage, physical harm, stress, and psychological effects. According to Sexual Harassment Informants, the best way to stop sexual harassment in the movie industry is to name and shame the perpetrators.