By Anonymous; Photograph by Freepik
“I didn’t think they would believe a young coloured girl over a senior white manager…”
As a junior manager I was working late one night when the general manager came past my desk. He noted that I had had a birthday and he had not wished me. He then proceeded to kiss me entirely inappropriately.
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What If No One Believes Me?
The general manager was my, four times removed, super-senior. I said I didn’t think what he’d done was appropriate, but I was fearful that the behaviour would continue. I thought if I told people, no one would believe me. He was a senior exec, old enough to be my father. I was a 26-year-old junior manager. It was also in the days of Apartheid and I didn’t think they would believe a young coloured girl over a senior white manager.
Reporting Sexual Harassment Without Involving HR
I eventually told my boss’ boss. I understand that his boss had a conversation with the GM – who was actually his senior. I also learnt from my boss that I was not the first. However, I felt entirely disempowered and I needed to reclaim my power.
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Confronting The Perpetrator
The next time I worked late and the GM came by, I said, “Mr XXX, what you did a few weeks ago was entirely inappropriate. However, I am prepared to forget it and move on, provided that it does not happen again.” He looked completely shocked at the fact that I had challenge him and said: “I don’t want you to forget it.” Then he walked away. My impression, though, was that I had won the round. And after that he stayed away from me.
*The writer went on to build a successful career at the company and ultimately became a general manager.
Here are 8 times the world became a fairer place towards women this year. Plus: “Take off your clothes” – when a doctor’s exam becomes sexual assault.
