Journal of Iranian Social Studies

Abstract The purpose of the present study is to explore the lived experiences of employed women in a government office in Lorestan Province when confronting sexual harassment and gender-based pressures. This study employed a descriptive phenomenological approach and Colaizzi's method of analysis. Data were gathered through 12 in-depth semi-structured interviews with employed women. The analysis of the data uncovered five main themes: sexual harassment as a continuous threat, compulsory silence as a protective shield, reconstruction of self-image in the face of harassment, the impact of patriarchal organizational culture, and social isolation as a consequence of harassment. The findings indicate that sexual harassment, influenced by power inequalities and cultural taboos, disrupts women's psychological and professional security, resulting in silence and isolation. This research underscores the need for establishing supportive mechanisms, anti-harassment training programs, and organizational structural reforms to mitigate sexual harassment.