Survey: 66 percent of female journalists are harassed at work

On Behalf of | Dec 20, 2013 | Sexual Harassment At Work

A recent movie, Anchorman, makes fun of sexual harassment on the job, but as some reports indicate, the Hollywood comedy contains a grain of truth. Female journalists face a unique set of challenges in the media, and new studies suggest they are subject to dangerous and embarrassing situations while in the field.

One report from an international news safety institute echoes assertions put forth by a media foundation that claims over 60 percent of all female journalists across the globe have been subjected to threats, sexual innuendos and unwanted sexual remarks of intimidation.

The survey contains statistics from across the world elicited from almost 1,000 women over multi-demographics, including editors, producers and photographers from all forms of media. More than 50 percent of the behavior was reportedly from coworkers or supervisors.

Regarding assault of a sexual nature, astonishingly, half of all women claimed to have been victims of physical, sexual harassment while on the job. Over 10 percent alleged women do not feel safe while at work, complaining of serious threats.

By the very nature of the journalism business, many experts say this information is tragic, because they are betrayed by the very entities that promote seeking the truth and revealing it to the public. Since their jobs are on the line, unfortunately, too many incidents of inappropriate behavior of a sexual nature go unreported and unpunished.

In today’s world, where more females executives and supervisors are coming up in ranks, one can’t help but wonder what price they had to pay to get where they are. One fact remains certain. The workplace should be a safe place for all, free from unwanted sexual behaviors. No one should feel betrayed or subjected to differing treatment due to gender on the job.

Source: huffingtonpost.com, “Women Journalists Face Rampant Workplace Abuse, Sexual Harassment: Study ” Catherine Taibi, Dec. 02, 2013

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