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Sexual harassment affects one in 10 female journalists, says new survey

Paul-Holleran2One in 10 female journalists have experienced sexual harassment at work, according to a new survey.

The poll by the National Union of Journalists in Scotland has also revealed one third have been the targets of inappropriate comments, while others complained of online abuse and a lack of opportunities for career advancement.

The figures came following NUJ Scotland’s Stronger Voice For Women In The Media 2017 survey.

By comparison less than 2pc of men had experienced online abuse, inappropriate comments or sexual harassment, and only 3pc complained they lacked advancement opportunities.

A report on the poll in the Sunday Herald states that one described how when she was looking around for a chair, a man suggested she should sit on his lap instead”, while another told how when she bent over a colleague said “while you’re down there…”

A further respondent noted “unwelcome sexual advances from a male colleague in a senior position”.

Women were also more likely to be victims of bullying, with 14pc complaining of it compared to 3pc of men.

Paul Holleran, NUJ Scottish organiser, said: “It is important that trade unions have a major role in any dialogue and are there to support women who fear putting their head above the parapet.”

However he also told the Herald that the last time any official complaints were made of sexual harassment was two decades ago.

NUJ Women’s project worker Fiona Davidson said: “Women may not want to raise their head above the parapet, they may be frightened of reprisals, they may fear they will be disbelieved or ridiculed especially if they are working in a macho environment.

“Their employment could be precarious. They may feel they have no one to turn to, especially as the headcount in newsrooms continues to fall.”

John McLellan, director of the Scottish Newspaper Society, told the Herald: “The NUJ has not raised the survey with me so I am not in possession of the details, but I would be more than happy to have a discussion with its officials.

“All our members take the welfare of their employees extremely seriously and I have no doubt that any complaints would be properly investigated.”

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  • November 16, 2017 at 4:42 pm
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    The figure of less than 2% of male journalists receiving online abuse seems ludicrously low. Maybe some are blissfully unaware of ubiquitous insulting website comments under their articles, but surely the true figure is closer to 95% – at least, if counting abuse expressed but not necessarily received/checked.

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