Story 89

Adding on to my story 74 – Sexual Harassment in Asia –

Team Head, Market Head and two other heads created WhatsApp group with the alleged perpetrators family member forced me to sign settlement agreement

I was threatened by his family – they served legal papers at my work premise restricting me to speak up.

I signed it out of fear but filed a police report – 6 criminal allegations mind you!

Later they had initiated Performance review discussions with me to get me out. I then decided to escalate to the CEO/ Board.

In the name of investigations they made me record several tormenting recorded interviews for hours together. They didn’t provide transcripts. I wrote 70 emails to the CEO/Board over a period of 6 months. They ignored. HR never supported me. I was isolated at work.

I delivered 165% of my KPI despite all this. I was told my performance was better than most seasoned MDs yet I was terminated. HR and compliance handed over investigation findings report which said allegations aren’t substantiated. I provided close to 80 screenshots where I told the perpetrator he touched my breast on business travel without consent – he apologised. They ignored all my submissions from the report to protect their reputation.

They handed over termination notice when I asked for the reason they had no legit reason to give – no compliance, no performance, no conduct.

Only reason – I spoke up, I followed protocols. HR, Legal team tormented me to a point where I was in therapy for months. I feared being around men in confined spaces.

Damage to career is one but the psychological fear is something that stays with you forever.

Every place I interviewed at, they had heard informal stories, added 10X to the gossip. I have cried in interviews having to explain and redeem myself that truth is far far from what was circulating.

Private Banking Network in Asia is close knit. Gossip spreads like wild fire.

If you have made it this far in reading, I appreciate your patience. Now…. If you are a man I ask you…what was my fault? Standing against predatory behaviour? Speaking up to protect myself? Would you be ok if a woman from your family was treated this way?

If not – PLEASE SPARE THE WOMEN FROM SEXUAL HARASSMENT & BULLYING at workplace!

Safe workplace is a basic right! Don’t make women fight for our basic right!!!