Column: Sexual Harassment, Silence, Speaking
[Opinion column written by OBA MP Susan Jackson]
Women may be wondering – even frustrated – by the silence at a time when all women have the opportunity to raise their voices in horror over the recent outcry sparked by former parliamentarian, Rolfe Commissiong. His dismissal follows the public confession of an ‘inappropriate statement’.
Women’s silence may well be a numb reaction to a long history of women having to suppress feelings from sexual abuses that goes back through generations.
In particular, black women, historically silenced in response to sexual abuse as a deep-seeded root in our DNA. Records in Bermuda’s Archive store evidence that rape established the foundation of many a family tree on this island.
So how do we as women, taught in silence to keep silent, begin to uncover the emotion that’s been suppressed for generations? Self-reflection? Courage? Community support?
These are challenges I’m struggling with as I write this opinion. How do I expose myself in support of others when I struggle with the secrets behind closed doors, the sexually offensive comments, the inappropriate touch?
How do we as women stop harming ourselves to avoid or protect ourselves from sexual behaviours we don’t want? I’m sure there’s substance abuse, overeating, bad moods and more. All in a silent struggle to protect our body and emotions, ourselves from further abuse?
Yes, this is a woman’s opportunity to speak out against the sexual harm each one of us has silenced for so long and begin to heal. The call for further protection from sexual harassment is for each woman to fight for from within. As much as each voice is to be heard on behalf of someone else, it must also be a voice for ourselves. As the instructions explain; place the mask over your mouth first before placing one on someone else.
Some may say, so what can we do about it? A demonstration, passing laws? Setting the record straight is not going to stop males from sexually abusing women. It’s not going to help me keep my job, or improve my relationships. Today, we take that first step.
Each woman, take some quiet time to reflect on what was right and what went wrong personally. We support each other in our truth and experiences until it is understood in our community.
What women consider sexually inappropriate activities are no longer acceptable. Women want to love, be expressive and live in a world with men that’s free from what each woman defines as sexual harassment and abuse. We want a world where men can respectfully compliment us without making us feel like we’re compromising ourselves.
There are many beautiful creatures on this earth to admire and feel goodwill at their sight. Relationships where simply being in the presence of that beauty is enough. That’s where the healing begins.
- Susan Jackson
20 Most Recent Opinion Columns
- 12 Oct: Column: Covid-19 Risk For Those With Diabetes
- 07 Oct: Column: Apology, Congratulations And Caution
- 30 Sep: Column: Democracy Is Young, Challenges Real
- 28 Sep: Column: Not Posting Transformation Pictures
- 28 Sep: Column: Design Your Health Destination
- 25 Sep: Column: Does Premier Think Voters Are Suckers?
- 24 Sep: Column: ‘We Need To Stand Up And Step Up’
- 22 Sep: Column: What Does “Capable & Steady” Mean?
- 17 Sep: Column: Healthy Hurricane Food Essentials
- 08 Sep: Column: Walnuts – The King Of Nuts
- 03 Sep: Column: Snap Election, Sunstroke & Questions
- 01 Sep: Column: Women Under-Represented In Politics
- 28 Aug: Carla Seely Column: Downsizing Your Life
- 25 Aug: Column: It’s The Job Of Opposition To Be Ready
- 25 Aug; Column: Remembering Charles “Bubba” Joynes
- 25 Aug: Column: ‘Create A Culture Of Data Privacy’
- 21 Aug: Column: Creating A National Investment Fund
- 18 Aug: Column: Taking The OBA’s Multiple Choice Test
- 18 Aug: Column: Investing In A Privacy Programme
- 17 Aug: Review: Weekend Music Shows In Pembroke
Opinion columns reflect the views of the writer, and not those of Bernews Ltd. To submit an Opin-ion Column/Letter to the Editor, please email info@bernews.com. Bernews welcomes submissions, and while there are no length restrictions, all columns must be signed by the writer’s real name.
-
Susan, thank you so much for your speaking up, for asking such excellent questions and for your insight to the healing process including the power of reflection on what was right and what went wrong personally; supporting one another; and last but not least, a key to where healing begins. Your thoughts put into words from experience and understanding are wonderfully practical, brave and beautiful. Thank you!
Will be also address male sexual harassment? Seems to be one subject many do not wish to look into. The perpetrators are often female and male. This is not a gendered issue.
Can we move this discussion to a non-gendered point of view? Men and boys are also sexual harassed and are not allowed to give it voice. Many incidents are celebrated and they are told they are lucky.
Thank you for this piece! Sadly, these actions are such a constant in Bermuda. It crosses religion, socioeconomic status, playgrounds, and workspaces.
@ Opinion’s Matter: Although I agree that this conversation should include male and female sexual harassment, it is important to know that women in Bermuda continue to be marginalized because of their gender. Statistics show that men still hold large amounts of power in our society.
We must have safe spaces for girls can be empowered and speak up when harassed. There must be definitive actions in place to hold harassers and those that turn a blind eye accountable. Men in power must also demonstrate with actions that sexual harassment isn’t tolerated at any age. We must have leaders that demonstrate this.
My daughter experienced sexual harassment and shaming in middle school at one of the Christian schools. Although the situation was witnessed by her peers and the incident was relayed to the Board in writing, she has yet to receive a direct apology for the experience. The school has yet to implement effective programming to address sexual harassment or bullying, and their one paragraph policy to deal with incidents is print for face value. The principal, board chair, and superintendent were male.