A revealing report on the harassment of female journalists
A recent study by Mèdia.cat has revealed that more than half of female journalists in Catalonia have been victims of sexist harassment during their careers. This alarming figure underlines the urgent need to address and combat this problem within the sector.
Personal experiences: Mar Bermúdez and Ana Polo
In an episode of the CRÍTIC podcast, journalists Mar Bermúdez and Ana Polo share their experiences of sexual assault suffered in their work environment, revealing how these experiences have influenced their personal and professional lives.
The case of Mar Bermúdez
Bermúdez, only 23 years old, reported her superior, Saül Gordillo, two years ago for non-consensual touching that took place after a company dinner. The verdict of the trial, held recently, sentenced Gordillo to a year in prison, considering that his behavior had been totally inappropriate and that he did not respect the journalist’s consent.
The reaction of the public and the media
After the complaint, the media reaction was intense, with articles attempting to minimize the facts and defend the accused. Bermúdez reflects on the difficulty of being believed in a context where victims are often questioned and held responsible for what happened to them.
The experience of Ana Polo
Ana Polo shares a similar experience that took place a decade ago, when she was an intern. She experienced an episode of abuse of power by her boss, without having the necessary tools to identify it as aggression. Her story illustrates the confusion and shame that often accompanies victims of harassment.
The weight of guilt and shame
Polo addresses the internalized guilt that victims of harassment often experience, as well as the fear of not being believed. Her experience led her to doubt her professional abilities, a feeling that is common among those who have suffered similar situations.
Reflections on the system of power in the media
Both journalists agree that sexual harassment is a systematic practice within the world of journalism, a sector where men in positions of power often perpetuate a hostile environment for women. Polo emphasizes that the fear of speaking up and identifying assaults is a major obstacle to the creation of a #Metoo in this area.
The need to share experiences
Polo concludes that it is essential that the voices of victims are heard, as sharing their experiences can contribute to building a collective memory that helps empower women and combat harassment in the sector.
