Story 74
A local private bank in a major financial hub in Asia fired me ruthlessly for speaking up on sexual harassment. On work travel a senior MD touched my breasts without my consent. He bragged he did it tactfully, asked me to loosen up and not be shy and give in. He threatened to end and wreck my career – quoting it verbatim. I explored all avenues – legal, police etc but the organisation is so big here and well connected with authorities that I couldn’t fight anymore single handedly. The case which had serious allegations of criminal nature was massively covered up.
In the name of interval investigation they dragged my case for 6 months and leaked all information submitted in the process to the perpetrator and helped him prepare his defence. Legal team and HR team worked with him closely. I would record interview for the investigations and they made the perpetrator secretly hear my interviews so he could prepare his defence. They worked with him to prepare the reports.
Despite escalating to Board members I suffered massively. He was promoted and sent overseas for recognition trip and leadership training.
Senior heads got together to force me to sign settlement agreement to not speak up. They threatened they will ruin my career. All these men involved are well known industry predators known for misbehaving with women but they were protected and I was penalised. I was threatened with immigration consequences as a foreigner.
Culture in Asia is much worse. Women don’t have a voice. There is no freedom of speech. Private Banking is male dominated. Men treat women like trash in certain setups. Wall Street is speaking up. Hope Asia wakes up to this harsh reality very soon!
My career is ruined and it will never be the same. My only fault is- I spoke up!