WEST CHESTER, PA (October 9, 2019) – As a direct response to survey findings on workplace sexual harassment in Chester County, the Chester County Women’s Commission (CCWC) and Chester County Fund for Women and Girls (CCFWG) hosted a public #ChescoKnows Summit on September 24, 2019, at Penn State Great Valley. An enthusiastic crowd of over 150 community leaders and employees who work in Chester County gathered to empower the sexual harassment and assault awareness movement on a local level. The purpose of the summit was to present survey results in more detail and explore ways all key partners can work together to address sexual harassment in Chester County workplaces.
The first 100 attendees were welcomed with a copy of “The Drama-Free Workplace: How You Can Prevent Unconscious Bias, Sexual Harassment, Ethics Lapses, and Inspire a Healthy Culture” by Patti Perez, a how-to book on preventing unconscious bias and sexual harassment, and building healthy workplace cultures. Chester County commissioners Michelle Kichline, Kathi Cozzone, and Terence Farrell opened the summit by welcoming attendees and speaking to efforts already being made in the county to address sexual harassment. They were followed by the Principal and Co-Founder of Capacity for Change, Meghan McVety, who presented key findings from the #ChescoKnows Workplace Sexual Harassment survey. Meghan revealed that nearly two-thirds of people, or 62%, reported to have witnessed or experienced sexual harassment at some point in their career. She shared stories from anonymous survey participants to properly represent their voices and experiences. One respondent noted, “if I didn’t ignore 99% of what I hear or what has been said to me, I would be out of a job. I do not have the luxury of complaining since I am head of my household.” According to the survey, 1 in 5 workers have experienced sexual harassment from a client, customer or contractor in their workplace. Those who were unaware of the high frequency of inappropriate behavior reported feeling shocked and naïve.
Keynote speakers Brad Johnson and David Smith, co-authors of “Athena Rising – How and Why Men Should Mentor Women,” brought facts, guidelines and entertainment to the Summit. Brad pulled from his experience as a clinical psychologist and professor at the US Naval Academy, and David from his as an associate professor of sociology at the US Naval War College, to share solutions for addressing sexual harassment and creating greater gender equality in the workplace and the home.
Following the Summit, attendees were prompted by a follow-up survey, and their responses will be used to evaluate and assess the future of #ChescoKnows as it evolves into #ChescoActs. One attendee noted that workplace sexual harassment “is a topic that many people care about but don’t know where to start in making change. Events like this and the resources you provided are extremely helpful in getting the ball rolling. I feel much more empowered to make change now.” Out of all post-event survey respondents, 79% said they would actively contribute to a workplace culture of respect at their workplace, and 78% said they planned to start conversations with others about these issues.
To continue building momentum and fostering dialogue around this issue, CCFWG hosted a follow-up discussion on October 1st. In addition, The Crime Victim’s Center of Chester County, Inc. is offering two 90-minute trainings for both employees and managers on ways to prevent sexual harassment at work. Learn more about how you can get involved at http://www.ccwomenandgirls.org/chescoknows/.
Many thanks to our generous #ChescoKnows partners: Gawthrop Greenwood, PC, Fox Rothschild LLP, MacElree Harvey, Lamb McErlane, PC, Hankin Group and La Comunidad Hispana.
Discussions around the topic of sexual harassment can trigger emotional responses. For anyone who may be uncomfortable or feel the need to talk to someone, please reach out to community partners like the Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County (610-692-7273) or the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County (610-431-1430). Both hotlines are free and someone is available to talk 24/7.
The Chester County Women’s Commission (CCWC) promotes opportunities for the inclusion of women as full and equal participants in all facets of life in Chester County. We identify the needs of women in Chester County and support them as we strive to advocate, empower, and connect them to appropriate opportunities. We serve Chester County women by identifying services and resources available to them by partnering with relevant organizations that promote and support women’s causes and initiatives. Our members represent our social, geographical, and culturally diverse community. Visit www.chescowc.org for more information.
The Chester County Fund for Women and Girls (CCFWG) leads and unites the community through philanthropy and advocacy to ensure that women and girls have resources and opportunities to thrive. For 20 years, CCFWG has raised awareness about the critical needs of women and girls, and has awarded almost $3 million to 70 local non-profit organizations. To learn more about the Chester County Fund for Women and Girls, visit www.ccwomenandgirls.org.