Vol. 3 (2) Dec. 2021

Article ID. JHSSR-1126-2021

Sexual Harassment Impedes Targets’ Careers and Women Empowerment

Rosenna Bakari, Professor

Abstract:

Obstacles exist that prevent women from entering, remaining, and advancing in the workforce. While the obstacles vary at each phase, one obstacle is prevalent at every sector of the workforce—sexual harassment. This article addresses how sexual harassment in the workplace impedes women empowerment. A real-life incident of sexual harassment is interwoven with the research to substantiate global research findings regarding the disempowerment of women through sexual harassment. The incident presented involves a white female working in the United States of America at a large behavioral health organization in a midsize city. This article captures the firsthand account from the targeted individual about her experience. The target’s narrative was substantiated with documents she kept to support the legal charges she brought against her white male supervisor. This case of Jaclyn and Mr. Paul highlights one of the leading obstacles to female empowerment through professional advancement.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37534/bp.jhssr.2021.v3.n2.id1126.p13