If you hadn’t seen or heard her (Yes, Oprah - the queen of life) speech from the 2018 Golden Globe Awards a few nights ago, you must be living under a rock…. And for that, you are forgiven.

However, I will take it upon myself to enlighten you on how powerful her speech really just was. 

This speech hit home ridiculously hard for me and really took me back to where my career started and how it really has evolved. But first, let’s touch on a woman who in her office was sexually harassed. A story that really tells of how you can overcome the situation.

Whitney Wolfe – a classic example of the age-old sexual harassment within the workplace from her co-founders. Uncanny enough in the office walls of Tinder.

Wolfe was a co-founder among 4 males whom created Tinder and over the years became the target of sexual harassment from her male counterparts. Now, on what planet (this one clearly) does it allow men to think it is OKAY to sexually harass a female colleague – let alone CO-FOUNDER?

Unfortunately, this is just one of many cases worldwide on a daily basis women are exposed to the uncomfortable torture of harassment within the workplace. The only silver lining I see in Wolfes circumstance is that she WON a hefty lump sum in her lawsuit AND went on to create the newly popular dating app: Bumble. Power TO YOU GIRL.

But this is the very rare case in which she actively did something about it…

1 in 4 women who report sexual harassment have been harassed in a workplace and the Human Rights Commission of Australia has seen an increase in claims by 13% over the last two years. Which makes me question if we can or will ever conquer the issue. Or will it only just get worse?

Raising awareness on this issue starts WITH YOU. In fact, to put my money where my mouth is. It starts with me.

I was 20 years old when I was first sexually harassed within the workplace. I had taken on a 6-month contract position in PR with a highly known sports label in Sydney, Australia. The company was family owned. 4 weeks into the role I was being called into the General Managers office more frequently then needed to be. Over the weeks he started touching my leg, closing the doors, talking to me in unprofessional ways, touching my thighs and emailing me flirty emails. Surely this couldn’t be right. But young and naive I didn’t want to lose my job! Over the next couple of weeks, I finally built up the courage to address this to HR. HR also happened to be our designer – a real botch job there by the company!

Instead of supporting my words and my concerns. She told me she would follow up. 4 days later. I was fired. Fired for underperformance. Underperformance??? The only underperforming I did was not giving in to the General Manager.

Incredible. Fired by HR.

I was left feeling violated, ashamed and embarrassed. 10 years later. I speak out.

A few years later, in a temp job in an accounting firm, I had landed a similar situation occurred. Unfortunately, this was beyond unprofessional. The Managing Director had taken a liking to me and insisted I come on fulltime. He led me down the way of offering me an amazing salary, title I did not deserve and ridiculous bonuses. It was evident he wanted to get up my skirt. It definitely wasn’t because I had the right qualifications. Day one the messages to my private phone started. Sexually explicit and dirty text. Day two the picture messages came through of his body…. But never his face. Day three, four and five well…. You get the gist.

Again, with no direct HR, who was I to turn to?

A month down the track he pinned me to the wall in the fire escape. Enough was enough and I walked out then and there. I told no one. In hindsight an absolute shame on my part. But I am telling the story now.

It is never okay for this to happen.

These threads of stories are just the iceberg. I have encountered many other sexual harassment situations, some of which I have correctly done the right thing. I have spoken up.

So now, I turn to you in the event you too have been or are going through workplace harassment.

Follow these imperative tips to regaining your power.

1. Do not be afraid to speak up. Speaking the truth can prevent it happening to the next victim. If you are afraid we totally understand. It would be easy to avoid speaking up. But know that you will make a difference and in any workplace that has any empathy, your voice DOES MATTER.
   
   
2. Talk to someone not directly linked to work. There will always be a person who listens to your cry. Whether it be your family, friend or a partner.
   
   
3. Discretion plays an important role. If you believe you can trust your HR manager or immediate boss then sit down with them and explain the situation and what about the culprit it is making you feel uncomfortable.
   
   
4. Monitor EVERYTHING. Document everything that has happened including dates, emails and taking screenshots of inappropriate text messages. This will come in handy when you put forward your case and of course need that person to be fired!
   
   
5. DON’T blame yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in the insecurity of thinking YOU had something to do with someone sexually harassing you. Remember, you are the victim in this. If you have to question if you are blowing it out of proportion, then the likelihood is you’re not. Something as little as a brush of the lower hip, a squeeze on the shoulder or a flirty text message to your private mobile can be classified as harassment. IF you have not allowed it.
   
   
6. Remember, to say NO. It may be a little threatening to say NO. Especially if they are a superior. Or even the boss! But I can assure you help is on your side. Never feel the need to hide your experiences because you are worried you will lose your job. There is ONE chance of dignity and respect and one million jobs out there, in companies that support, value and empower you. Not the opposite.
7. If you are looking to take your sexual harassment case further if you feel it hasn’t been sufficiently dealt with then you can. It is also encouraged. For many reasons. Reach out to Legal Aid Australia-wide. These are firms that take on bro-bono cases. There are numerous law firms that handle sexual harassment and assault cases. Make sure you research thoroughly the law firm and to back your case, ensure you have done the necessary steps prior to filing your case.

I hope this helps you and encourages you in ways to open up and speak up about your experiences. They can be embarrassing and daunting – but the more women and girls that are aware it goes on, the quicker we can change the stats on workplace harassment, Australia AND world-wide.

Stay tuned on our next article on how to handle workplace bullies.

Leave your comments below or reach out to our CEO at hello@workitgirl.com.au – I absolutely LOVE hearing from you ladies. It makes my week!

References can be found here:

https://www.australia.gov.au/information-and-services/public-safety-and-law/legal-aid

https://www.humanrights.gov.au/listening-tour-fact-sheet-sexual-harassment-australia