Group to host summit on sex harassment in the workplace

WEST CHESTER >> As a direct response to survey findings on workplace sexual harassment in Chester County, the Chester County Women’s Commission and Chester County Fund for Women and Girls will host a public #ChescoKnows Summit on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at Penn State Great Valley.

The purpose of the summit is to present survey results in more detail and to explore ways in which all key partners can work together to address sexual harassment in Chester County’s workplace. The keynote speakers for the event are Brad Johnson and David Smith, co-authors of “Athena Rising — How and Why Men Should Mentor Women.”

Results of the #ChescoKnows Workplace Sexual Harassment survey reveal that one in four people (26 percent) in Chester County have witnessed or experienced sexual harassment in their current workplace. The survey results also note that nearly two-thirds of people, or 62 percent, reported to have witnessed or experienced sexual harassment at some point in their career.

“The #ChescoKnows survey shows us that people experience a range and breadth of impacts as a result of sexual harassment, with some perceiving it as ‘not a big deal’ and others experiencing the impact for years,” said Michelle Legaspi Sanchez, Executive Director of the Chester County Fund for Women and Girls. “In addition to facilitating constructive dialogues, we are working together to leverage resources that will contribute to improved employee environments in Chester County – benefiting everyone who lives, works, visits and attends schools here.”

The #ChescoKnows survey was distributed throughout Chester County between November 2018 and January 2019 and garnered more than 900 responses (81 percent female) in both English and Spanish. The results captured a range of experiences and insights from current Chester County workplaces. A summary report of the

#ChescoKnows survey can be found at www.chescowc. org and www.ccwomenandgirls.org or by contacting Wendy Leeper at wleeper@ chescobar.org.

Discussions around the topic of sexual harassment can trigger emotional responses. For anyone who may be uncomfortable or feel the need to talk to someone, please reach out to community partners like the Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County (610692-7273) or the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County (610-431-1430). Both hotlines are free and someone is available to talk 24/7.

To register for the #ChescoKnows Summit, visit https://www. eventbrite.com/e/ chescoknows-summit-tickets-65453951531.

The Chester County Women’s Commission promotes opportunities for the inclusion of women as full and equal participants in all facets of life in Chester County.