We, as young women, have been putting up with unfair and even illegal treatment at work for far too long.
I’ve faced a whole catalogue of discrimination – sexual harassment, bullying and unfair pay – with my rights being violated time and time again.
This is happening to thousands of young women, but often we don’t speak up in fear of the consequences. Standing up for our rights shouldn’t come at a cost, but too often it does. We’re tired of not being heard.
My experiences at work
One of my very first jobs while I was at university was a part-time zero-hours contract role in hospitality. I received so much sexual harassment from male colleagues, including my supervisor, which made me feel so uncomfortable, but I needed the money, so I had to stay.
In my next role at a retailer, I built up the courage to tell my manager about my ADHD diagnosis because work was adding to my stress levels, but my concerns were dismissed, I was made to feel stupid, and told to ‘leave personal dramas at home’.
After that, I worked at a local company, where harassment and inappropriate behaviour continued. A male manager made sexual ‘jokes’ about us making out or me giving him massages. When I spoke to female colleagues about the comments, I was told that I’d need to get used to those sorts of comments or ignore them, because that’s just how they (the managers) are. It got so bad that I ended up crying every day about going to work, but again, I had no choice; I needed the money.
After this, I gave up hope of finding an employer where I’d feel safe and supported. I decided to concentrate on photography – my passion. However, as a freelancer, I still had to supplement it with other jobs, so I found a role in a local restaurant.
For that role, I had an unpaid trial shift, was hired without a contract and was offered below the minimum wage. I told them I wouldn’t accept that – I couldn’t believe I was having to haggle for fair pay! The restaurant never paid me on time and I had to chase them constantly for the money they owed me.
The long-term impact
What I’ve been through has had a big impact on my mental health. I’m not confident that things will ever get better, but I need to work, so I keep fighting. I’ve found a new role now and so far, I feel supported.
As a project group member for Young Women’s Trust’s Rights Here, Rights Now campaign, I want to help educate other young women so that they know what is and isn’t acceptable behaviour at work.
My hope for young women like me
I hope my story will inspire others and give them the confidence to stand up and call out inappropriate behaviour and practices.
It’s time to break the silence and stand up for our rights. Together, we are stronger.