Combatting Sexual Harassment
The Challenge
Unwanted touching. Sexual comments about your body. Being fired for refusing a sexual advance. Sexual harassment can take many forms. And it is fundamentally detrimental to equality. And yet, sexual harassment remains a widespread problem, affecting women in every kind of workplace setting and at every level of employment. At least one quarter of women have experienced sexual harassment at work, and women in low-paid industries—especially those who rely on tips—suffer at a higher rate. People of color, LGBTQ+ folks, people with disabilities, immigrants, and refugees can be especially vulnerable, and often have fewer protections available to them.
No one should have to experience sexual harassment, and it’s against the law. Not only can it cause physical and emotional harm to the survivor, but it can keep her from advancing in her career, resulting in lost earnings and opportunities. It’s an injustice, and all across this country, people are rising up, speaking out, and demanding change.
What We're Doing
WE fight to ensure that the rights of all women—including low-paid working women—are protected against workplace sexual harassment. WE make sure existing laws are enforced and strengthened, and that working people know what steps to take if they witness or experience sexual harassment. WE collaborate with local and national partners, including the Restaurant Opportunities Center, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, National Partnership for Women and Families, and the National Domestic Workers Alliance, to make eradicating sexual harassment a priority in Illinois and in the nation.
WE are working to eliminate the sub-minimum wage for tipped workers, a practice that leaves those workers especially vulnerable to harassment.
YOU Can Combat Sexual Harassment
Get tips on what you can do to stand up to sexual harassment if you experience or witness it.
Take Action
Know Your Rights
Learn what sexual harassment is, how it’s defined by the law, and what your rights are in the workplace.
Support a Full and Fair Wage
Help end the two-tiered wage system—which puts tipped workers at risk for harassment—once and for all.
Share Your Story
Have you witnessed or experienced sexual harassment? We want to hear from you.