A part-time Tesco worker has settled a discrimination claim against her former employer for £45,000.
Lara Storey claimed she had been subjected to sexual harassment by a colleague, which included physical touching.
She complained to bosses and her grievance was upheld.
However, the colleague was allowed to continue in post, despite assurances that they would be retrained or relocated.
Believing this decision breached her employer's disciplinary code, Ms Storey lodged a complaint with Northern Ireland's Office of the Industrial Tribunal.
She said after doing this she felt victimised by more senior staff, including being ignored and criticised for minor work issues.
She eventually resigned from her job.
"I wish none of this had ever happened. I was a student working my way through university. I didn't ask for any of this. I had to challenge it and I’m glad I did," she said.
"I want other women to know that they don’t have to accept this type of behaviour or treatment, and they should expect to be treated fairly by their employer."
The case was settled without an admission of liability.
Ms Storey was supported by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.
Chief Commissioner Geraldine McGahey said Northern Ireland's sex discrimination laws were needed as much today as when they were first introduced 50 years ago.
"Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect at work.
Employers must ensure that, where their employees fail to live up to that standard, action is taken to deal with it effectively and that employees are dealt with or supported appropriately," Ms McGahey said.
She added: "It is imperative therefore that employers have policies and procedures in place to manage these situations effectively and that their managers are trained to use them."
A Tesco Spokesperson said: "We are committed to ensuring that everyone feels welcome at Tesco and there is no place for harassment of any kind in our business.
"We apologise for the way the concerns of this colleague were handled in this store and have taken some clear learnings which will help us further improve our processes going forward.
"We shared our policy with the Equality Commission of Northern Ireland and welcomed their recommendations."
