The Female and Her Workplace

Sexual harassment is a pervasive and deeply concerning issue that continues to impact women around the world. It's not just about isolated incidents; it's a spectrum of unwelcome behaviour, ranging from inappropriate comments and catcalling to groping and even assault. When found in the workplace, this creates a hostile work environment, hinders career advancement, and can have detrimental psychological effects on victims.

The recent uproar of sexual assault cases at the University of Lagos’ College of Medicine is a stark reminder of the challenges women face in every sector. In a 2020 study by Stand to End Rape (STER) Initiative , 64% of participants had experienced one or more instances of harassment. Out of this 64%, 85% were women. This is a figure that should make us sit up as a society.

Does your organisation have a robust and well-disseminated sexual harassment policy? This is a crucial question for all workplaces. A clear policy establishes a zero-tolerance environment and outlines reporting mechanisms for victims. It also empowers bystanders to intervene and challenge inappropriate behaviour.

Humour and Casual Interactions?

The jokes and seemingly harmless comments that often go unchecked can contribute to a culture that normalizes harassment. Before making that off-colour remark, we should all ask ourselves a critical question: "Am I, through my words or actions, contributing to the very statistics that highlight the prevalence of workplace harassment against women?"

It’s a collective responsibility. By speaking up against harassment, supporting victims, and demanding accountability, we can create a future where workplaces, and everywhere really, are truly safe and empowering for everyone.

What are your thoughts on this issue? Share your experiences (confidentiality respected if you share it in my inbox) or suggestions for solutions in the comments below.

Remember: You are not alone. If you have experienced sexual harassment, there are resources available to help.

All my best,

• Reminding you of? The vision gets clearer in the doing. Start doing, continue doing. Just do it.
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• Working on? Spending time with my Sonshine. The holidays have begun. Be intentional about creating memories with your loved ones.