Fundraising magazine has launched a campaign – #AtWhatCost – to counter sexual harassment and coercion in fundraising. www.civilsociety.co.uk/news/think-tank-rogare-publishes-first-insights-into-gender-issues-in-fundraising.html
As a result of a number of senior figures in the industry speaking out, others have come forward to talk about how they have been harassed or made to feel uncomfortable by donors, or by other members of the fundraising community. Examples have included women fundraisers being asked to wear something more revealing when meeting an older male donor; being propositioned at events or meetings; managers within the sector turning a blind eye or saying complainants are overreacting; and leaders taking advantage of their power and seniority.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of the extent of the problem and focus the minds of leaders on how to protect their staff, put protocols in place whereby complaints can be voiced and to become sensitised to their concerns. Although Fundraising Magazine says that the call is coming from the “rank and file”, it states that fundraising directors, CEOs and trustees cannot continue to ignore the problem, to give platforms to those who perpetuate this behaviour, or to trivialise or fail to act on complaints from their staff. Change must come from “the leaders, organisations and umbrella bodies that hold sway in the sector”.
