How to fight sexism in the workplace?

Sexism is everywhere: on the street, in private and family life, at school, and also at work. Although this violence affects everyone, it particularly impacts women, and the figures prove it. According to a European study, 60% of women in Europe have already experienced some form of sexism at work. 11% of female respondents even state they have had a "forced or unwanted" sexual encounter with someone in their professional environment. It is essential to know how to identify and penalize sexist behavior in the workplace. What is sexism and how can we combat this violence?

Sexism at work: what are we talking about? 

Since the rise of the #MeToo movement, women's voices have been encouraged and liberated. We can no longer turn a blind eye to the sexist and sexual violence they endure. Situations that were tolerated yesterday are no longer accepted today, and numerous testimonies highlight the abusive and degrading behavior women suffer. Sexism in the street, for example, is increasingly denounced. On the other hand, in the professional world, it is still far too often concealed. Fear of losing one's job, a sense of shame and injustice, withdrawal… Women do not necessarily dare to speak out. As a result, these degrading acts are very rarely punished.

Definition

The notion of sexism can be complex to grasp due to the various forms it can take. From negative stereotypes ("Not very smart, that blonde!"), inappropriate jokes and gestures, familiar nicknames ("sweetheart"), whistling, comments about appearance or behavior ("so, are you on your period today?"), the way someone dresses ("You're going to work the streets dressed like that?"), insistent stares, groping, discrimination, violence, rape… From ordinary, often unconscious sexism to sexual harassment, the scope is wide.