Confessions of An Intern Being Sexually Harassed By Older Employee in a Modeling Agency

By Elizabeth Benu,

Being an intern makes you prey for many ills that happen in an office, Natalie Kibe* narrates her story

We all hear stories of people being sexually harassed in their workplaces while their offenders promise them promotions, benefits or just because someone is in a superior position and feels they can get away with it. Some may think it is a myth but for Natalie an intern has seen first hand what it means to be a prey at the workplace.

She says,

“I was so excited to get an internship with an esteemed modeling recruitment agency as a secretary/ receptionist. With my good looks and physique I was well suited for the job. On my first day I arrived early and settled waiting to start my duties.

However, as the day went on I noticed a male employer had too much attention on me and I innocently ignored it with a smile. Little did I know that it was my small recipe for disaster.

For the next couple of days, Mr. K as everyone in the office called him, would come over my desk and pat my back or rub my shoulders/. I viewed this as a natural way of appreciating my work . Within a weeks time his motives became clear.

One day when everyone had left the office for lunch he came over and intentionally touched my bossom saying how nicely God had created it. I naively brushed him off with a smile telling him never to do that again.

The following days were filled with comments about how great my hair looked, how my ankles were thin and how my outfit complimented my skin colour. This made me uncomfortable especially because he did it in front of the other employees.

Sick of the uncomfortable situation I sternly asked him to stop his shenanigans and he laughed it off asking me what I was talking about. He had directly and shamelessly denied doing or saying anything. I now felt threatened and spent my hours at work trying to avoid him.

I was prompted to speak when one morning he came up to me and hugged me in the most sensual and disturbing manner. When I tried to let go he said that he was more superior than I was. I filled my pillow with tears that night confused about what to do. I regretted the smiles that I ever gave him.

I decided to speak to my cousin who advised me to take a more stern step towards him and see if he would bring his harassment to an end. I reported the issue to the head of department who was really angry that he transferred him to another agency in another county.

All this disturbs me because I never did wear anything provocative that would have made Mr.K make all those advances towards me. I feel like some of my dignity was carried away by that incidence.

Now the male employees are scared of me thinking I will do the same to them?

Don’t I have a right for equal treatment even though I am an intern?

Since I respect myself I would advice fellow interns to take charge and not allow things to go deeper. Report it even if it means losing your internship. Your dignity is way more important than a need for internship

If you are being sexually harassed I would advice you to immediately object the behaviour and make it clear to the offender that you do not like what he is doing. Make sure you object without an apology or smile.

It would have been nice if I had kept a record of all these incidences including the date and time and also if my workmates had agreed to be my witnesses.

I regret not telling someone immediately the moment all this madness started because they would have offered me advice and it would have been easier and right now I could not be feeling like my dignity has been trampled on.

Lastly even if you are intern make a formal complaint. Even if your company does not have the procedures for resolving such issues speak to a superior about it.

Being an intern does not call for mistreatment. And if you feel unsafe make a police report or even consider hiring a lawyer.

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