Teen Sexual Harrassment at Work

I just finished watching a story on PBS' Now about young women being sexually harassed and even assaulted at their part time jobs. The story starts out a little sensational, but the topic is important so I kept watching.

Anyway I'm glad to hear that this issue is getting investigated more and that some young women are sharing their experiences. I can definitely understand feeling embarrassed, afraid and not having experience with what is and isn't acceptable in a work environment.

In one of my first jobs in college, I had an experience with a guy saying some inappropriate things to me and making me feel uncomfortable. Late one night he cornered me when no one was nearby and started saying some inappropriate things. It was fairly mild, but he had a more superior position than me and it felt intimidating because we were alone in this dark parking lot.

Thankfully I was working with a bunch of really awesome, strong women and I immediately rushed to them and told them how creepy he'd made me feel. Turns out he'd been creeping out a bunch of other women too.

Everyone encouraged me to come forward and talk to the bosses. I worked very closely with the people who hired him and felt confident that they'd believe my story and take it seriously.

It wasn't comfortable, but I came forward and reported his behavior. The bosses were pretty receptive, thanked me for coming forward, and as far as I know he wasn't hired again for any further projects. They did try to assure me that he "didn't mean any harm--he just doesn't have a good sense about what's appropriate behavior." Ummm and why would you hire someone with those qualities!?

I'm really glad I reported the incident, and so thankful that I was working with supportive, encouraging women who I could turn to. Hopefully with these new stories and studies about sexual harassment in the workplace other young women will feel comfortable coming forward.

And the winner is...

Colleen!!!

A while back I asked people to post comments about the brave girls & women in their lives. Then I used a random number generator to pick someone to win a Brave Girl t-shirt.

Thank goodness I didn't have to choose someone to win because all the comments were amazing. Colleen has been enjoying her shirt for a few months now, but I thought I should let everyone know.

Here's what she wrote:

When I saw this come across my e-mail I tried to think of who I consider a brave girl/women. The only answer I became happy with was all of the girls in my life. Why do I need to pick one? All of my friends each have something unique to share and an beautiful personal story to tell. Lorrie is a survivor of breast cancer, Denise is an outspoken woman who would go to the ends of the earth to help someone, Natalie is called Nifty Natalie for a reason, she puts together rallies and organizes out community, Brenda has stopped a pimp and ho party from happening because she got someone to realize it was degrading to others, Cheryl has raised two children on her own and then turned around and adopted another child even though she was struggling. The point is yes, we owe each other some credit for being brave and wonderful so why do we only have a month for it? Everday we should recognize a brave girl/women in our life. Everyday we should make it a point to say thank you! In conclusion, THANK YOU for writing this blog and getting us to recognize someone brave/wonderful although you did have to put in the chance to win free gear for someone to write in! I suppose it is like the rice game. . .some may have done it if you had not put in the free gear but the added incentive never hurts in this society!

This giveaway thing was really fun. I loved reading about all the inspiring girls and women you know. Stay tuned--I'll do another one soon!

Win a Brave Girl Shirt!

So Women's History Month is coming to an end. But when the month is over please don’t stop celebrating! Women and girls are creating change and making history every day.

I wanted to open this up for you to write about brave women and girls. Please post here about someone you know or someone you admire from a far.

On April 1st I'll pick one of the posts out of a hat and that person will get a free Brave Girl t-shirt!

Shirts come in kids sizes up to Adult XXL.