The Guardian newspaper published a letter sent to their bosses by 60 women alleging that their “daily work at MoD headquarters is being disrupted by behavior that in public life would be considered toxic and inappropriate,” French broadcaster bfmtv reported. Around sixty senior UK officials have been accused of fostering a toxic culture and the harassment of women by their male colleagues. “We are subject to derogatory language, unwanted attention, and sexual harassment, including stares, sexually suggestive comments, and persistent comments about our clothing, our appearance, or our perfume.” – wrote representatives of the Ministry of Defense.
In response to a question from the Guardian, the Ministry of Defense said it was acting “to address the deeply concerning issues” raised in the letter. “Women should feel safe and such behavior will not be tolerated,” the ministry added. The FDA union, which represents government leaders, called for “an immediate investigation into these allegations.” “The stories of these women’s experiences are deeply disturbing. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect in their workplace,” the union responded.
According to the authors of the letter, the issues raised are not new, but are still “relevant.” Women note that complaints and messages on these topics are “usually ignored and not considered.” The Ministry of Defense is not the first British institution to face such allegations in recent years. London police, firefighters and parliament have been accused of promoting a sexist culture and acts of psychological or sexual harassment against women. In the private sector, the CBI, an employers’ association, was at the center of a scandal last spring when it was accused of covering up sexual harassment, including two rapes. Its director was fired and many members left the organization.
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