From #MeToo to #YouToo?: A closer look at sexual harassment in the workplace

In a quote from Madeleine Albright, she states that “It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent.” This rings true for so many concerns that women face on a daily basis, more notably, on her job. In a recent survey, found on NPR.org, it states that 3 out of 4 women have been verbally harassed. When it concerns verbal harassment, women share that they have been “catcalled,” “whistled at,” and even received unwanted comments of a sexual nature. While there may be some women that invite this form of attention, women can make their power known and say, “No more!” to being seen as just an object of desire.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), a government agency tasked with enforcing laws that make workplace harassment illegal, released a detailed report recently that covered sexual harassment in the workplace.

While some of their results that focused on sexual harassment/assault were shocking, it’s unfortunately, something of a new normal. A few of the results from their study include:

• The increasing percentage of women experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace.
• The number of harassment claims made by women were mainly sexual-based.
• Roughly 87 to 94 percent of employees that experience harassment did not file formal complaints.

While these reports may seem unsettling, there is also much more that needs to be addressed about what goes on in the workplace. The environment where a woman works can also make her easily become a target for sexual harassment. A few of such industries include: construction, service-based industries, and different lower wage jobs (ex: hotel cleaners and farm workers).

These reports and statistics change every day, and for there to be a change, awareness must begin. As seen on many news outlets and social media pages, men and women are starting to speak up and making their voices clear. In the current #MeToo movement, victims of harassment are stepping forward to not only share their experiences but to also let individuals that have faced similar reports of harassment know that it is not their fault. In fact, as more and more people began to share their stories, it has encouraged others to recount what they had experienced in the past and to finally view it as a form of harassment.

If you feel that you are being harassed (in the workplace or even online) you don’t have to keep these feelings bottled up inside, you can get help. Report the incidents to authorities at your school, job, or law enforcement. Also, it is encouraged that you keep a record of any comments you have received that make you feel uncomfortable. Additionally, be sure to gather the evidence of your harassment. If you have received emails or texts from your accuser, keep these documents on file and share them with the proper authorities. Remember, it is not your fault and there is no need to think down on yourself, get help now.

Article submitted by Sade Bolling.