About 81 percent of those surveyed said they would like to see employers bring in better supervision and more appropriate punishments for sexual harassment and 66 percent said employers should offer training programs telling employees how to avoid sexual harassment at work.

Although the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of Rights and Interests of Women bans sexual harassment of women, it doesn't clearly define sexual harassment and the evidence is hard to provide to the court. Faced with a toothless law, most women prefer to endure harassment or quit.

"It's very necessary for companies to establish their own systems to prevent sexual harassment and maintain employee confidentiality," a human resources expert on condition of anonymity said.

"The anti-harassment system is also good for the companies as they should take on some social responsibilities," said Bi Wenjuan, project officer of Women's Watch-China on Tuesday.

The definition of sexual harassment included leering, getting inappropriately close, sending text messages or e-mails with sexual content, improper behavior such as obscene gestures or flashing, kissing, hugging and even rape.