Why Does Sexual Harassment Happen?

To prevent sexual harassment, we first need to understand why it happens.

In this episode, Rosie Wheen draws on insights from Cara Gleeson, Director of the Our Watch Institute, and Professor Michael Flood, researcher and advocate on men, masculinities, and gender at QUT.

Together, they unpack how gender inequality, power, and discrimination intersect — and how rigid stereotypes about masculinity can fuel harmful behaviour.

This Podette invites reflection and dialogue: What are the beliefs and structures in your workplace that allow disrespect to persist — and what would it take to shift them?

Listen now



🗣️ Use this Podette in Your Workplace Discussion

1. Set the Scene (5 minutes)

  • Revisit ground rules: respect, confidentiality, listening without judgment.

  • Link this conversation to your organisation’s purpose and values.

  • Acknowledge the topic may be challenging; share internal and external support contacts (e.g. 1800RESPECT).

  • Intention example: “We’re here to understand the ‘why’ behind sexual harassment, and explore what that means for how we lead and work together.”

2. Listen Together (5 minutes)
Play the Podette as a group.
Invite participants to jot down one insight or question.

3. Open Reflection (10–15 minutes)
Suggested prompts:

  • What stood out to you most from this Podette?

  • How do power and gender dynamics show up in our workplace?

  • What beliefs about masculinity or hierarchy might be influencing our culture?

  • Where do we see opportunities to model respect and inclusion every day?

4. Action Steps (10 minutes)
Ask: “What’s one small shift we can make, starting today, that challenges stereotypes and builds respect?”
Capture and commit to one action; agree how to revisit it.

5. Close (5 minutes)
Thank everyone for their participation and reflection.
Reinforce support pathways (internal HR contacts, 1800RESPECT, or EAP).
End with appreciation for courage, curiosity, and care.





Great resources to share with your teams



Our Watch -Changing the landscape - https://www.ourwatch.org.au/change-the-story/changing-the-landscape

💡 Learn more about Professor Michael Flood’s work:  http://www.xyonline.net/category/authors/michael-flood

Book, Engaging Men and Boys in Violence Prevention (2019). Available FREE from:

https://xyonline.net/content/new-book-engaging-men-and-boys-violence-prevention




Recommended Not in My Workplace episodes 

Engaging men in prevention and as allies

Professor Michael Flood | He/Him | Internationally recognised researcher on men, masculinities, and gender, and an advocate and educator, based at the Queensland University of Technology in Australia.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6asZMH5GWxS7S9iu64JgAY?si=9c6ef20f5d014a4d 



Diversity and Inclusion, an invitation to all

Tarang Chawla | He/Him | Victorian Multicultural Commissioner and Founder of Not one more Niki 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4aSZ6c2jZnHZ1gywdzIVIo?si=cf94d4e83a90419d 



Identifying and using your Personal Power in the workplace 

Julia Banks | She/Her | Author, Leadership consultant, Keynote speaker, Lawyer, Former Federal MP

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7gccScr7rG81VRXaaZGUwJ?si=8cdd274d52444876 

Rosie Wheen