How do we reduce sexual harassment?

Recently, NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine released statements regarding ending sexual harassment of women.

Dr. Francis Collins stated, “It’s [sexual harassment] morally indefensible, it’s unacceptable, and it presents a major obstacle that is keeping women from achieving their rightful place in science.” His statement was released after the National Academies report concluded that there is no evidence to suggest that current policies and procedures have significantly reduced sexual harassment in science, engineering, and medicine. The NIH has published an anti-sexual harassment website that contains the policies and practices that are in place at the NIH and supported institutions. New initiatives have been created, in addition to a survey that will help shape future practices.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine released a report that discusses the degree of sexual harassment that women face in the science, engineering, and medical fields, the negative impact that sexual harassment has on the recruitment, retention, and promotion of women in these fields, and the policies and measures that have been successful in combating sexual harassment.

For more information:

https://www.fic.nih.gov/News/GlobalHealthMatters/september-october-2018/Pages/changing-culture-of-science-to-end-sexual-harassment.aspx?utm_campaign=ghm&utm_medium=email&utm_source=ghm2018september