The National Commission for the Promotion of Equality condemned the “brains, boobs and balls” comment made by the head of the Employment and Training Corporation towards a female subordinate.

It said in a statement this morning that such comments were never acceptable.

“Such behaviour is condemnable not only at CEO level but at all levels.”

The NCPE said it was the primary responsibility of officers in senior management positions to ensure an environment that promoted equality and respect for the rights and dignity of each and every individual working within the organisation. 

It was their responsibility to guide individuals within the organisation, who might be victims of discrimination and harassment, to seek redress from authorities established by law for such purpose, such as the NCPE, and as such, they had the added duty to be upstanding role models in this regard.

“The NCPE is of the view that all private and public entities are to have a tailor-made harassment and equality policy in place.

“Furthermore, all entities should also provide training to staff and management in this respect to make them fully aware of what constitutes acceptable behaviour or otherwise at the place of work and in interactions with colleagues.

“NCPE can offer guidance to organisations in relation to such policies and relevant training,” it said.