Steve Jordan challenges the global associations to eradicate a modern-day scourge to our industry.
It has been two years since I first wrote about the sexual intimidation of women at conferences. Some may remember my piece entitled ‘No! That’s not OK’ in the July 2023 issue. I wasn’t sufficiently naive to think that one article would solve the problem, or even make much difference, but I did hope it would get us all talking about the problem. In that respect, at least, I think it worked. For example, today some of the associations make a point of issuing a Code of Conduct and asking for attendees to be respectful to each other. It’s a victory of sorts.
But I have been saddened to hear that during the early-season conferences, it’s been happening again. I have heard some horrendous stories, none of which I want to reproduce here. Save to say that the women involved were upset, even traumatised, by their experiences. It strikes me that, if raising awareness and asking people to be nice to each other isn’t going to work, the associations are going to have to take the gloves off. Rather than trying to reassure and advise the victims, and appeal to people’s sense of decency, we are going to have to tackle the perpetrators. This cannot be allowed to continue unchallenged.
It's a tricky problem. Naming people can be legally difficult as proof is hard to establish. There is also a potential for a backlash against the victim or her company as the source of the information will be obvious. It’s possible that innocent people could be accused either by mistake or as part of vindictive commercialism. I am also worried about stifling the natural engagement between consenting adults that happens when friends mix. I am not suggesting we have a ‘fun police’.
But that doesn’t mean we should do nothing. I don’t know the answer, but here’s a suggestion ...