Boys Club v Male Allyship?
These two terms – “Boys Club” ?versus “Male Allyship” -neatly summarise part of some recent findings about sexual harassment in the modern workplace. Both terms illustrate supportive cultures but with completely different motives and attitudes!
For example, in a recent report from the House of Commons Treasury Committee under the title “Sexism and the City.” The Committee say they received a large amount of evidence relating to sexual harassment in financial services, including many from dozens of women who told about their experiences of working in the industry at an event ?held in Westminster last year. This evidence points to either a ?“Boys Club” culture or a Male Allyship” culture prevailing at their place of work. More often the former and not the latter. But also, occasionally a mixture of both!
The evidence taken though spotlighted the extent of misogyny, sexual harassment and bullying, up to and including serious sexual assault and rape. The committee say the large number of testimonies they heard were vital in building up a picture of the extent and nature of sexual harassment in the financial services sector.
Workplace culture anchored in ?“Boys Club” or “Male Allyship” values and beliefs have created a mixed picture. One ?either dominates or collides with the other. Not surprising that the report? has a narrative with recommendations on “Whistle Blowing” and “Non-Disclosure Agreements”(NDA’s). These two provisions in turn can open up or shut down progress.
There is then actually often a “WAR” between “Boys Club v Male Allyship” ?which can mean people will:-
·???????? Withdraw – Resign or Walk Away silently? or
·???????? Agree – Suffer inside but put up with the situation ?or
·???????? Resist – Knowing they have the support of the organisation and colleagues
In profile the report “Sexism and the City” ?covers:-
·???????? Diversity and Inclusion
·???????? Barriers facing women
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·???????? Pay
·???????? Sexual Harassment
·???????? Recommendations for change including “Whistle Blowing” and “Non-Disclosure Agreements”
There is plenty of material in the report to help with discussions in training courses, case studies and policy development ready for the UK new duty on preventing sexual harassment which takes effect in October this year. These details are within the Worker Protection Act(Amendment to the Equality Act 2010) ?which received Royal Assent last year:-
?In shorthand:-
* A Boys Club ?has been defined as ?an?informal, male-dominated organisation, especially in business, which excludes or mistreats women
** Male Allyship has been defined as being a member of an advantaged workplace group having an awareness of and passion for gender equality
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The Culture Change Champion - supporting EDI, HR and L&D specialists to develop and promote an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong.
1 周I think one of the key problems we’re facing is an inability to have civil discussions with individuals and groups with whom we disagree. We’ve set everything up as a win-lose situation whereby progress for women is seen to be at the expense of men. I believe that many men also feel attacked for the actions and attitudes of other men. I think it’s important to allow space for people to share their issues and concerns without being told that other people are worse off, which doesn’t help however true it may be. A more nuanced and intersectional approach should allow a man who has mental health issues to share and be heard without feeling he’s competing, for example, with a woman experiencing domestic abuse. It shouldn’t be an either/or but it does often feel that way.