▷ Sexual Harassment Prevention at Salkantay Trekking

Salkantay Trekking team members taking part in the sexual harassment prevention training at Casa Salkantay

Building a Respectful Workplace Together

At Salkantay Trekking, we believe a positive work environment is built every day through respect, trust, and the way we treat one another. That's why, on October 21 and 22, we held two training sessions focused on preventing sexual harassment and promoting a respectful workplace.

These sessions were designed to raise awareness among our team members, strengthen relationships at work, and help everyone understand the support and protection measures available through the company. Above all, we wanted our team to know they can count on us when facing situations that may affect their dignity and well-being.

Psychologist leading the sexual harassment prevention workshop for the Salkantay Trekking team

Learning to Recognize and Prevent Sexual Harassment

During the first session, held in the central courtyard of Casa Salkantay, our team members took a break from their daily responsibilities to participate in a workshop led by psychology and legal professionals.

Through group activities, real-life scenarios, and small prizes, participants reflected on respect, personal responsibility, and the importance of recognizing boundaries. One of the key takeaways was understanding that a joke, comment, or gesture can make someone uncomfortable, even when no harm was intended.

Four Gestures, Four Lessons to Remember

To help reinforce these messages, participants learned four simple gestures representing respect, boundaries, support, and action.

Each gesture connected an important lesson with an easy-to-remember movement that team members could carry into their everyday interactions.

Salkantay Trekking employee giving a thumbs-up, the respect gesture from the sexual harassment prevention workshop

Respect: Recognizing the Value of Others

A thumbs-up reminds us of the importance of treating everyone with consideration, listening to different perspectives, and recognizing each person's dignity. Respect also means understanding that something we find funny or harmless might make someone else uncomfortable.

Salkantay Trekking employee holding an open palm forward, the gesture for personal boundaries and saying no to sexual harassment

Boundaries: Learning to Say and Respect "No"

An open hand held forward, with the palm facing outward, represents everyone's right to set their own personal boundaries. During the workshop, we reinforced the importance of respecting others' comfort levels and personal space, whether through jokes, comments, or physical interactions. When someone expresses discomfort, it's important to listen and stop the behavior.

Salkantay Trekking employee crossing her hands over her chest, the gesture for support and empathy without judgment

Support: Being There Without Judgment

Crossing our hands over our chest symbolizes empathy and a willingness to listen when someone needs help. We learned that offering support doesn't mean having to solve a situation on our own. It means listening with respect, avoiding judgment, and helping the person connect with the appropriate support channels.

Salkantay Trekking employee raising a closed fist, the gesture for taking action against workplace sexual harassment

Action: Choosing Not to Look Away

Raising an arm with a closed fist represents the decision to take responsible action when inappropriate behavior occurs. This means recognizing situations that need attention, seeking guidance, and using the company's established reporting procedures to raise concerns about possible sexual harassment.

Together, these gestures became a shared way of communicating throughout the activities, helping team members remember the main lessons in a simple, engaging way.

Infographic on preventing workplace sexual harassment and workplace bullying at Salkantay Trekking (in Spanish)

Identifying Harassment and Knowing How to Act

The specialists also explained how to identify different forms of sexual harassment, from unwanted comments and suggestive remarks to inappropriate physical contact.

Another important part of the training focused on what to do when someone experiences or witnesses potential harassment. With guidance from psychology and legal professionals, team members learned how to reach out to Human Resources, raise concerns, and understand the available protective measures and response procedures.

Special attention was given to listening without judgment, handling each situation confidentially, and providing respectful support, both emotionally and through the appropriate legal channels.

Reinforcing What We Learned Across Every Department

The following day, we held a second round of training in smaller, department-based groups to build on the lessons shared during the first session.

Department-based session reinforcing sexual harassment prevention in the Salkantay Trekking offices

Closer Conversations in Smaller Groups

These smaller gatherings created a more personal setting where team members could ask questions, share thoughts, and discuss situations that may arise in everyday workplace interactions. They also served as a reminder that setting boundaries, respecting others, and knowing when to ask for help are responsibilities we all share.

Salkantay Trekking team members during a department training session in the office

Speaking Up Without Fear of Retaliation

Throughout the sessions, we reinforced the importance of recognizing inappropriate behavior and understanding the available support channels, so team members know they can speak up about their concerns without fear of retaliation.

At the end of the training, participants received informational materials they could refer to later, helping them review what they had learned and keep important prevention and protection resources within reach.

Our Commitment to Our Team's Well-Being

At Salkantay Trekking, taking care of our team means more than providing the tools and resources they need to do their jobs. It also means listening to them, respecting their dignity, and creating an environment where everyone feels safe and supported.

Through these training sessions, we wanted every member of our team to understand that they don't have to face a situation involving sexual harassment alone. They can turn to the company's established support channels for guidance and assistance.

We'll continue organizing activities that strengthen trust, respect, and positive workplace relationships because we know a healthy work environment is something we build together, through our shared commitment to looking out for one another.

Taking care of the people who make up Salkantay Trekking is also part of our responsibility as a company.

Salkantay Trekking employee signing a pledge against sexual harassment