Vol. 33, July 2023 Issue

Harassment Consultation Center News
Hello everyone.
In this issue of the Center newsletter, we would like to introduce
Maternity Harassment and Care Harassment.
I would be happy to help deepen your understanding so we can use it tocreate a harassment-free environment.

Maternity harassment/care harassment refers to harassment related topregnancy, childbirth, family care leave, etc.
And it is conduct that harms the educational, research, employment,
or study environment of the victim by words or actions related topregnancy, childbirth, or use of childcare leave, family care leave, etc.
In this issue we will focus on maternity harassment.
The 4 Types of Maternity harassment
Imposing traditional genderbased values “bosses with good,but incorrect, intentions”“Your child is your top priority.”“I’m just concerned about your health.”“Your husband’s income should besufficient.”

Labor division based on gender
Cannot understand the difference in ideas betweengenerations.

No malicious intent
Forced labor
Power harassment※Source：matahara net

Bullying“You’re causing a lot of trouble.”“You’re so lucky you can take time off.”“Who do you think you are, just because
you are pregnant?”“You are selfish.”“Are you even trying?” “You are lazy.”

The anger of coworkers who are forced to cover thework of others on maternity or childbirth leave isdirected at the pregnant worker, not at the company.

Individual-level
Organizational-level

Malicious intent
Exclusion from labor

Forced out“You’re not allowed to work
shorter hours.” “We don’t needregular employees who go home at aset time in the evening.” “We don‘t tolerate of aperson depending on someone even if they arepregnant.”“We can’t treat pregnant women
differently to anyone else.”

A workplace culture that does not allow employees totake time off or leave early due to pregnancy orchildcare.

“You’re a burden on others if you can’t
do overtime.”“You’ll have to leave once you get pregnant.”“Our company can‘t afford to hire a pregnant.”“Our company doesn’t have a maternity leaveor childcare leave system.”

The most obvious form of maternity harassment
Most women cry themselves to sleep over this situation.

Long working hours

Harassment resulting from men taking childcare leave is called“paternity harassment”. This is a coined word consisting of “paternity(state of being a father)” and “harassment”.
I couldn't take time off because my boss or coworkers
said, "There is no way men take childcare leave."
I was told, "If you can't work overtime, I won't
give you work," or "If you take childcare leave,
I'll demote you. "[Prohibition of harassment for the use of systems and measures]
Disadvantageous treatment, such as dismissal, forced resignation, or contract change from
regular employee to part-time employee for reasons such as pregnancy, childbirth,or applying for and taking childcare leave or paternity leave, is prohibited.
In addition, since work during paternity leave is possible only within the scope agreed upon
between the employee and the employer, disadvantageous treatment on the grounds ofrequesting and getting work during paternity leave is also prohibited.
Forcing employees to work during paternity leave is also prohibited.

[Prohibition of harassment for a situation]
Dismissal or other disadvantageous treatment, or harassment against an employee because of
their situation such as pregnancy, childbirth, childcare leave, or paternity leave is prohibited.
In addition, employers are required to take measures to prevent harassment by supervisors andcoworkers.
Bad response
exampleI would like to take a leave of absence for a pregnancy
checkup on XX [Date].

You're not sick, so go during holidays.

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Good response
example #1.

I understand. Please be careful.
Thank you very much.

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Good response
If possible, I would like you to attend the meeting on that day.
example #2.
Can you adjust the date of your pregnancy checkup?
If that is not possible, it’s okay.

I will try to change the day.
Thank you very much.
If you can't change the date, please take leave and go for thecheckup on the scheduled date.
In that case, we will tell you the content of the meeting later.
It is very important that everyone understands pregnancy, childbirth,childcare, and family care in order to prevent maternity/care harassment.
We hope that through discussion, everyone can provide an environment
for education, research, employment, and study for employees who are
pregnant, expecting a child, providing childcare or family care.

Harassment counseling is provided on a confidential basis.
Please feel free to contact us at any time if you have any
questions or concerns.
Harassment Consultation Center Peer Support

Nagoya University Harassment Consultation Center
Tel: 052-789-5806
Address: 464-8601 Furo-cho Chikusa-ku Nagoya
h-help@adm.nagoya-u.ac.jp