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Workplace troubles - a rant about sexism in the workplace

7 replies

Noren · 28/02/2013 09:01

Many workplaces are uncomfortable for women to be in - low level sexual harrassment that can't be proved - things like men staring at your boobs when you talk, being patronising or creepy, playing power games. I have countless personal examples.

It's probably happened to every single woman that's ever had a job. And we all know no good will come of complaining (it's hard enough to prove sexual harrassment that's more obvious to outsiders.)

So what do we do? What we've always done, what I am doing now. Look for another job, any job if we are really fed up, potentially sacrificing the career development we wanted and letting the system win. And you don't know if the next workplace will be any better.

God, I'm pissed off today.

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MrsClown · 28/02/2013 12:30

I know its hard. In the 70s I joined the RAF and even I was shocked at the sexism.

A few years ago I was talking to a colleague (male) and I noticed he was staring at my boobs. Straight away I said 'if you dont stop staring at my boobs I will poke your bloody eyes out'. He apologised and went red!

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Noren · 28/02/2013 13:42

Heh, awesome handling! I'm a bit scared to say that to my boss.

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fubbsy · 28/02/2013 13:49

It's shit, isn't it?

I read a very good rant article by Grace Dent about this the other day Why don't more women blow the whistle on sexual harassment in the office? Because typically this results in blowing one's career too.

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Noren · 28/02/2013 15:04

Damn good, entirely depressing article. Oh god why am I reading the comments?!

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TheDoctrineOfSciAndNatureClub · 01/03/2013 01:20

Good Article.

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VerySmallSqueak · 01/03/2013 19:45

I challenged some sexual harassment in my workplace many years ago.

I had to leave my job because of it,but he ultimately lost his job.

It was a price to pay for me,but worth it as I hope he didn't repeat his behaviour again,when he realised he wouldn't always get away with it.
I can understand completely why some women are not in a position to take action - which is why I felt was lucky to be in a position where I could,without catastrophic consequences for me. (Mine was a bit more money on the table type of job,rather than a career.)

Noren you do sound fed up.I am so sorry you are in that position.