SEXUAL HARASSMENT
IN MARINE SCIENCE
THE CULTURE OF SILENCE
Harassment in ocean science is pervasive. It compromises the physical and mental health of those who experience it, undermines the quality of research, and drives talented people out of the sector. Poor training, remote field sites, academic hierarchies and multi-institutional teams with conflicting policies all contribute to a landscape where harassment persists, reporting fails and prevention barely exists. These conditions do not simply increase the likelihood of harassment; they actively suppress reporting it.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN MARINE SCIENCE REPORT
At Women in Ocean Science, we are committed to highlighting the continued problems of sexual harassment persisting in the marine industries. In September 2020, WOS launched a Sexual Harassment Survey to help gauge how prevalent sexual harassment in the marine science workplace and learning environments is and what deters women from reporting it.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO TACKLE SEXUAL HARASSMENT?
Gender bias, discrimination, and harassment are cited as leading drivers of female underrepresentation in marine science, so as we push for more women in science, we must also address these underlying issues. Women should not be deterred from pursuing a career in marine science by the possibility of sexual harassment, nor prompted to leave this field due to systemic failures.
WHAT ARE THE LEARNINGS FROM THE REPORT?
From physical acts of rape to the tired “it’s just a joke” narrative that normalises harassment, the report highlights just how important it is to ensure that we are creating a safe space for all in marine science. It not only raises serious questions as to whether current reporting systems are effective (or even in place at all) but to whether we are failing to diffuse power dynamics that enable harassment to persist. Tackling sexual harassment requires concerted action, and WOS is seeking cooperation of universities, workplaces and field projects to address the matter.
Let’s talk……
UNIVERSITIES - if your academic institution would like to get in touch about the sexual harassment in marine science survey, please email comms@womeninoceanscience.com
MEDIA ENQUIRIES - please email comms@womeninoceanscience.com.