It can be difficult to be a woman, especially in the workplace. According to Fortune Magazine, one out of two women have experienced sexual harassment at work. Sadly, only half of the reported instances in the U.S. lead to charges being filed. What is even more alarming is that 75% of women who pressed charges were retaliated against. With sexual harassment com-ing to a head in the media, we can all see the negative effect that harassment brings to those who have been victim to it.
The majority of women have a #MeToo story. My most impactful personal experience took place as a young professional at a major corporation. I was sexually harassed at work & reported it. The response from the HR department was horrific. I was asked, “What did you do to cause this?” Sadly, I never reported an instance again, even though it happened over & over.
More women at the top of this corporation may have changed the culture & made the reaction to my experience much different. With men holding a majority of the world’s board seats it becomes a struggle for women’s issues to be represented & fought for. Having women as active members in the boardroom is imperative to stop sexual harassment & change the male dominated culture that has been a part of every industry throughout history. More wom-en at the table will most likely create an environment in which females will feel safer & more respected. This is one of the reasons why Women in the Boardroom (WIB) is so passionate about preparing women for corporate board service. We feel strongly about having a positive effect in changing how women are viewed & treated in the workplace.
At WIB, we strive to create a strong foundation for women who want to become corpo-rate board members through guidance, networking & education. We give them the tools they need so they can get out there & do the work necessary to get their seat at the table. The world is in need of more #girlbosses. Are you in?
Learn more about us at www.womenintheboardroom.com.
Sheila Ronning is a leadership and networking expert, board strategist, and CEO and Founder of Women in the Boardroom.
