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Law on sexual harassment

What this indicator measures

The law is examined in four areas: at work, at school, in public places or transport, and online (cyberharassment). Each area must have criminal penalties or civil remedies. Data from the 2026 edition of “Women, Business and the Law”, which describes the written laws in force on 1 October 2025 (not their actual application or uncodified customs).

How to read this?

“Four areas” means the law covers all areas; “One to three areas” means it covers only some of them.

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186countries with data
2025data year(s)

In brief

Law on sexual harassment: 186 countries and territories covered. Breakdown: Four areas covered : 11 ; One to three areas covered : 151 ; No area covered : 24.

Why this indicator matters

Sexual harassment can occur at work, at school, in public space or online. Comparing laws shows in which areas victims have a legal remedy.

What makes this indicator vary

Laws evolve with social movements, international commitments and the arrival of digital technology. Some legal systems deal with the subject through criminal law, others through labour law or civil law.

Reading precautions

The indicator describes written laws, not their application or uncodified customs. An existing law may be rarely enforced. Areas are counted one by one, without judging the strength of each text.

Law on sexual harassment

Four areas covered (11)

One to three areas covered (151)

No area covered (24)

Frequently asked questions

Where does the "Law on sexual harassment" data come from?

It comes from Banque mondiale – Women, Business and the Law (WBL 2.0). Site last updated: November 8, 2026. Each country is shown with the year of its most recent value.

Which areas are examined?

Four areas: work, school, public places or transport, and the online space. For each one, the law must provide criminal penalties or civil remedies.

Does an existing law guarantee real protection?

Not always. The indicator measures what the text says. Enforcement depends on the courts, on the resources of the justice system and on whether victims can actually file a complaint.

Source and update

Source : Banque mondiale – Women, Business and the Law (WBL 2.0). Site last updated: November 8, 2026.

Indicators in the same category : Women's rights