Harassment and Women in Tech

At a time when we are becoming more acutely aware of the level of harassment endemic in American businesses, government, and the entertainment industry, we must pay particular attention to women working in technology fields. Some new research conducted by the non-profit organization Women Who Tech, revealed the full story of the level of harassment which is going on in tech industry. We need to encourage more women to enter technology fields, and play a part in the rapid growth and cutting edge developments. Women have something to add to this industry. But it is difficult for women to break into the field, and then to stay in the field because of an often hostile work environment as well as rather significant levels of sexual harassment. Because of the "brogrammer" atmosphere, women are being left out of this sector of the economy and limited in their potential for professional growth. Listen to our discussion with Justyn Hintze from Women Who Tech as we discussed their research on women in tech and the shocking level of harassment they face.

Harassment and a Smile: Conversation with Actor Rebecca Blaine Carton

I have a discussion with the incredibly talented Rebecca Blaine Carton about her independent short on harassment and catcalling, Smile. We talk about how this is an almost universal experience for women and girls, and how it is very difficult to avoid. We discuss the sense of shared experience we sometimes feel when we see another woman being harassed or another woman is our witness, but the same sense of powerlessness. These catcalls and harassment can often cross the boundary into feeling unsafe or even threatened.

Rebecca's independent short, called Smile, which was featured by Hollaback and Upworthy, takes a light-hearted look at one woman experiencing a catcall, and running through in her mind the various reactions that she could have to a man harassing her. We have an open and honest discussion about what led her to make this movie short, and the other projects that she has coming out. You won't want to miss my "behind the scenes" talk with Rebecca Blaine Carton.

Follow Rebecca Blaine Carton on Facebook @IrritableBeccaSyndrome, on Twitter @IrritableBeccaS, on Instagram @irritablebeccasyndrome, and on her YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/rebeccacarton