Dear Men...
Olivia Broderick
Executive PA @ stopsexualmisconduct.co.uk | Stop Sexual Misconduct
Men, It's Time to Help Take a Stand Against Sexual Harassment Within The Workplace
In a world where sexual harassment continues to plague workplaces and communities, it's crucial to acknowledge that it's not just a problem for one gender. At our company stopsexualmisconduct.co.uk , we firmly believe that sexual harassment can happen to and be perpetrated by anyone, regardless of gender. However, the harsh reality is that statistics; although the percentage of men being sexually harassed or them actually reporting instances is going up, they consistently show that women are disproportionately affected by this issue. It's time for men to step up and take a collective stand against it.
Some men may feel hesitant or embarrassed to speak out against sexual harassment. They might fear being seen as weak or 'less of a man' in front of their 'friends'. Others might worry about being labeled as 'too sensitive' or 'overreacting.' And let's not forget those who choose to ignore the problem altogether, believing that 'everyone else does it' so it must be acceptable.
But here's the truth: the real embarrassment comes when those same individuals find themselves standing in court, facing allegations of serious sexual harassment and assault. Imagine the shame of being found guilty, just because you couldn't keep your hands to yourself or stop your words from being inappropriate - with your name and face plastered across the news for all to see. Consider the impact on your family, your partner and your friends. Is that really a risk worth taking?
So, what can men do to help in this advocacy effort? First and foremost, they can start by educating themselves about the realities of sexual harassment and its devastating effects. They can challenge harmful stereotypes and behaviours, whether it's in the workplace, social settings, or anywhere else. Men can also actively support and amplify the voices of women who speak out against sexual harassment, lending their privilege and influence to the cause.
Furthermore, given that most employers and CEOs in the UK are men, they have a unique opportunity to enact meaningful change within their organisations. They can implement robust prevent sexual harassment policies and procedures to address sexual harassment clearly as well as providing preventative and comprehensive sexual harassment training for all staff, to foster a culture of respect and accountability, and ensure that all employees feel safe and valued.
To those who still cling to outdated notions of gender superiority, I have a simple message: without women, there is no you. We are not the weaker or lesser sex; we are your equals, your partners, your mothers and your daughters. It's time to recognise that we are all in this together, and only by working together can we create a world free from the scourge of sexual harassment. Men, the time to act is now.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is recommended that specific professional advice is sought before acting on any of the information [email protected] ? 2024.
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Founder of Forward Assist 2013 & Salute Her UK 2021
6 个月I did that three years ago … wall of silence! https://www.forward-assist.com/blog/2021/3/11/its-time-for-men-to-step-up-to-the-plate-amp-challenge-sexual-assault-in-the-military