much all old white men” as a reason for sexual harassment going unreported, saying that it made it “di cult for women, particularly young women to speak up and even to lead calls for industry wide policy.” Of the people who had been sexually harassed, 44 per cent of these had experienced this within the last ve years. One quarter (25 per cent) had been harassed in the last ve to 10 years, while for 31 per cent the experience was more than 10 years ago. More than one quarter
during an event. But if someone is brave enough to report sexual harassment or worse, people are dumbstruck. “We need policies that not only protect those of us that work in the industry itself, but all of those people that participate in our events.” Many called for a cultural change in the sector, with one woman, aged 41-50, calling for public commitment to change from senior leaders. “ is is not a ‘women’s’ issue,” she said. “We need codes of conduct for
We need to make events safe and enjoyable for everyone
(26 per cent) of those who had been harassed took no action in response against the perpetrator. Actions taken in response to being sexually harassed included attempting to avoid the perpetrator (23 per cent), telling a colleague (18 per cent) and telling friends
participation in events with wide ranging bans for those who breach them.” Other suggestions included formal protocols for dealing with any incidents,
training for event teams and venue sta on how
and family (9 per cent). Only ve per cent of respondents said they had spoken directly to the perpetrator following the incident. Just 8 per cent told someone more senior at work, 3 per cent made a formal complaint and only 2 per cent reported the incident to the police. e e ects of sexual harassment incidents have been very serious for some event professionals, with 1 per cent saying they sought counselling, 2 per cent saying they took time o work, and 3 per cent leaving
to identify and manage situations where harassment might take place and a call on men in the industry to stop enabling a culture of harassment. e results reveal a little of the power dynamic involved in sexual harassment. Just 23 per cent of respondents had been harassed by someone of the same level of seniority. No one had been harassed by someone junior to them. One woman cited male dominated boards and industry veterans being “pretty
Have you ever been subjected to any formof sexual harassment while working in meetings and events?
Was the person responsible:
Prefer not to say: 3%
Female: 5%
Male: 95%
No: 47%
Yes: 50%
10 / 2022 mitmagazine.co.uk
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