Story 104
“We must do what they fear – tell the truth, spread the truth.” Alexei Navalny
I was raised with conventional wisdom from another continent: don’t confront the attacker, it’ll make it worse. For years, I believed this. One day, I realized that while there is some truth to it, it was also a disservice to my dignity, my self-respect, and my healing.
My father told me things would change the day women decided to stand up for themselves and refuse to take the abuse anymore. He was right.
But let us be clear: gender should be neither an indictment nor a shield.
I’ve seen a female partner at a Big Four consultancy investigated and coached by Ethics regularly—yet she remains employed. I’ve seen a male partner build a career advocating for women in the workplace, yet he treated me terribly.
Poor behavior should be condemned regardless of gender. Any wrongdoing is offensive, whether the victim and / or perpetrator is male or female.
To the women reading this: do not be shamed into silence. Stand up. Speak up. Your example will inspire others to do the same.
And to the gentlemen who do the right thing, who warn women about predators, who call out other men—I see you. Thank you for your courage, your decency and your integrity.