Recent events, like the overruling of Roe v. Wade, have resurfaced the unequal distribution of power between genders in our society. Although I avoided talking about it for a long time, I decided this is the right time to bring up a harassment experience that affected my personal and professional life alike, and which I'm sure will ring familiar to many women. If it has happened to me, it has happened to many others I'm sure.
Apart from the stereotypical jobsite banter and the occasional "you're a woman, what do you think of this kitchen layout?" I have not had many awkward work situations, definitely not something that I would report to HR. I did however experience an embarrassingly abusive relationship with a contractor who renovated my own home a few years back.
At the fear of losing a contractor, project momentum and significant cash flow, I had convinced myself that I can control, or put up with the frequent verbal and physical harassment. Needless to say, this was something beyond my control, and although my project did get finished on time, my personal and professional boundaries were shaken.
Here are a few things I wish I would have known then:
You can't control them. You can't control or change another person's harassing behavior.
You are affected. Your personal and professional mindset and performance will be affected if you're harassed, especially on a daily basis.
You have options. Direct confrontation and/or a trip to the HR office should help.
You have a say. File a complaint with the local state licensing board. Wether the person is a contractor or architect or engineer or whatever, sexual harassment is not acceptable.
It is likely the harasser does not limit their habit in your presence and you are not the first or last person they will harass. Be firm and take action for yourself and for those around you.
Corina Dumitrescu Architect (CDA) is a licensed architect and sole author of this personal blog. The content herein are her views and opinions to be used for information purposes only. CDA makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of this content, especially if applied to projects not herein described. Always employ the services of a professional real estate agent and/or architect. Making decisions based on this or any other blog content alone should be done at one's own risk.
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