it’s needed to fully understand the effects of harassment. Next to that, we must feel empowered by this movement created by all of us. To achieve an effective approach, we have to embrace all thoughts and insights brought to us by survivors, offenders, advocates, opponents and even from the men and women who think they have the right to offend us. Powerful people are needed – when power is not abused, power is empowering. Famous people can be powerful people; for #MeToo this strengthened the movement positively, but now it’s time to take it to another level. Because we know that 79% of the harassment comes from superiors, the ones who are most afraid and uncertain when it comes to doing the right thing.
At eight out of ten sessions I present internationally, someone starts crying. When they are able to share their story I often hear that it’s about someone who stood up for them in a harassment situation, or that they stood up for someone, with consequences. Left out by fellow employees, they’ve been treated like the company asshole. It’s time to realize that we have to make a culture change together, urgently. We have to let go of the fear and the shame, because recognition in the purest sense of the word leaves only room for asshole-heroes. So let us all be heroes for more than just one day. Karin Bosman About Workplace Harassment
Asshole-heroes For me, the unseen and undeservedly discarded real-life savers when it comes to sexual harassment are the bystanders that step forward, the witnesses that stand-up for those who have suffered from workplace harassment. During my personal case of sexual harassment, not one woman but four men stepped forward; they all lost their job after the trial.
many wake-up calls do ctually need to achieve nt behavioral change?
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