WAYS TO TAKE ACTION INDIVIDUALLY: ADVICE FROM A WOMAN GEOPIONEER

Women in science experience greater rates of sexual harassment than men [1]. These rates are particularly high in fieldwork settings [2], which can be necessary workplaces for conducting research in the geosciences. Many strategies for addressing the problem of harassment in science focus on institution-level steps that those in administrative leadership roles should take in the future. However, few are in those top positions of administrative power, making real progress within the next decade feel intractable. Also commonly neglected in such recommendations are specific strategies those who are harassed and bullied can use in the moment and ways forward.

This talk will describe my experience of filing a harassment complaint, but also the act of moving forward. This talk will also explore specific strategies and actions that you-an individual geoscientist-can take after experiencing harassment. Those of you who are in the majority and have not been harassed can amplify the whispers of harassed scientists to be audible. Our community – and specifically individuals – can change our community and in doing so influence the integrity of our scientific endeavors.

[1] National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Sexual harassment of women: Climate, culture, and consequences in academic sciences, engineering, and medicine. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi. 2018;10:24994.

[2] Clancy, K. B., Nelson, R. G., Rutherford, J. N., & Hinde, K. 2018. Survey of academic field experiences (SAFE): Trainees report harassment and assault. PLoS One, 9(7), e102172.