Sexual harassment in business journalism

Business reporter Josie Cox of The Independent in London writes about the sexual harassment she has encountered in her career.

Cox writes, “Having reported on the still very alpha male-dominated world of business and finance for the last eight years, I could write a book about the sexist remarks and inappropriate jibes I’ve been on the receiving end of. Add to that the things I’ve witnessed and instances I’ve been told about, and I could publish several volumes.

“As a brand new reporter I remember nervously attending a conference abroad and being cornered by a very senior banker at the coffee bar. To my utter confusion — seemingly out of the blue — he leaned in, patted me on the hip and told me to meet him at his hotel just around the corner in two hours.

“I was so embarrassed and baffled that I pretended not to understand him, almost dropped my tea cup, smiled and turned away.

“I realised later that part of my deflection had been to help him save face – I was doing this pitiful creature a favour because I needed to keep him on side in order to do my job.”

Read more here.