Sexual Harassment Against Women In Tech: Why & What Can Be Done To Stop It

Uber headquarters sexual harassment charged

Maria from San Francisco writes, “Chris, Susan Fowler’s account of her harassment at Uber seems far too typical of what women in tech experience. Why is it that so many women in tech are discriminated against? What should we do?”

Thank you Maria for your timely question.  For those not aware, on February 19, 2017, Susan Fowler alleged in a detailed and lengthy account on her personal blog that she had been discriminated against and sexually harassed by her direct supervisor when she worked as a software engineer at Uber.

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Supervisor Keeps Asking For Date: Is That Sexual Harassment?

sexual harassment in the workplace

Janet from the East Bay writes:  “Chris, at my firm holiday party my supervisor and I drank too much.  We were playfully teasing each other when he suddenly he took my hand, told me how sexy I looked, and kissed me on the lips.  I was stunned and didn’t reciprocate.  I became very uncomfortable and left the party.

After the party my supervisor has texted me three times on my company cell phone during work hours asking me to go out after work.  I was disturbed by his texts and, following the first one, I texted back no.  I was hoping he would stop and I have not responded to the other two texts although he has asked me to ‘give him another chance.’  Other than texting me he has not said or tried to do anything suggestive.  I’m anxious though every time I’m in the same room with him and concerned about what may happen in the New Year.  What should I do?”

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