Ongoing sexual harassment at the workplace, with jokes about the buttocks remaining a persistent issue, despite being acknowledged as a criminal offense.
"From the get-go, it was clear as day: endless sex jokes were the norm. Everybody, regardless of position, piped up with them, even in front of anyone."
Mathilde (preferring anonymity), at 24, embarked on her first job as an architect in a company within the beauty industry, quickly understanding that the company revolved around sexual innuendos, drenched in a sexist and homophobic undertone.
As Mathilde expressed her desire to hit the sack early, her N+2 colleague fired back with a crass comment about her alleged bedroom activities. The company's WhatsApp group was no exception, with employees receiving a Father Christmas image featuring two women in thongs during the holiday season. A colleague, openly identified as gay, faced remarks such as "The aunt, she's not my cup of tea, she needs to speak up more masculinely."
Mathilde's story echoes broader issues of sexual harassment and gender-based violence rippling through various sectors, including workplaces[2]. Such harassment can go unchecked, with the experience of actress Abigail Breslin underscoring the challenges faced in reporting such incidents, often resulting in individuals being dismissed or even sued[5].
Yet, without specific details about Mathilde or her beauty industry company, it's challenging to paint a precise picture of the situation. Nevertheless, the broader issues of sexism, sexual harassment, and homophobia are far-reaching, impacting numerous industries and workplaces alike.
- Mathilde, dismayed by the sexist and homophobic culture, sought alternatives for workplace-wellness, looking for resources in health-and-wellness and general news platforms.
- Through her explorations, Mathilde discovered organizations advocating for sexual-health education in the workplace, which she felt could provide a way to address the pervasive sexism.
- In a WhatsApp group dedicated to introducing employees, Mathilde shared articles about the importance of sexual-health education in the workplace, hoping to address the sexist jokes and remarks.
- However, the sexist culture persisted, with general news outlets reporting crime-and-justice cases related to sexual harassment and gender-based violence in the beauty industry.
- Determined to voice her concerns, Mathilde began researching female pioneers in science and technology, aiming to introduce an innovative approach to her work and potentially shift the company's culture.
- With newfound resolve, Mathilde vowed to work tirelessly, striving for a more inclusive and respectful workplace, hoping that her efforts would one day become a model for what is right rather than what is wrong.
