#MeToo in Danish. Hundreds of women report abuse in the workplace – Executive Digest

It all started with the complaint made by a comedian. A serious matter by the voice of someone who makes you laugh. And since then, there has been an intense debate over sexual harassment in the workplace in Denmark, with hundreds of women reporting abuse, driven by the #MeToo movement, according to the BBC.

«I am extremely happy to be the presenter here today», began by referring to presenter Sofie Linde, at the Zulu Comedy Gala. “I am only the second hostess in 14 years,” he added. After a few jokes, Linde’s speech started to get serious when he detailed that he received less than his co-hosts.

“We can pretend that there is no difference between men and women in Denmark,” said Linde, who also works on the Danish talent program Factor X. “It just isn’t true,” added the official, revealing that when she was 18, in her early career, one of those responsible at the time demanded that he engage in sexual practices, threatening that otherwise he would ruin his career.

The moment, broadcast two weeks ago, catalyzed a national debate that saw Linde’s #MeToo movement receive praise and criticism. Dismayed by the negative reactions, several journalists wrote an open letter of support in the Politiken newspaper, denouncing sexual harassment and sexist culture in the workplace. «They are right. We have also suffered from it, ”they said.

“We have all been through this to a greater or lesser extent throughout our careers: inappropriate comments about our appearance or clothing; suggestive messages; physical behavior that goes beyond the limits. Warnings that there are some men we should avoid at the Christmas Party. It has happened before. It still happens », they added.

When the newspaper was published, 701 women had signed the letter. The next day, there were more than 1,600. Those who signed on either had direct experience or knew of a colleague who did, according to TV2 journalist Camilla Slyngborg, quoted by the BBC.

“There is no need to talk more about whether the problem exists, but how to solve it,” he told the BBC. «Hundreds of people wrote small or bigger stories about what they experienced. In fact, it has been very sad to read these emails, ”he added.

–