Survey: Half of women scientists worldwide were sexually harassed

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Half of the women scientists around the world have been sexually harassed at some point during their careers, according to a survey published on Thursday.

The survey included more than 5,000 researchers across 117 countries. 49% of the surveyed women scientists reported having been sexually harassed at least once.

According to the survey conducted by the Ipsos polling firm on behalf of L'Oreal Foundation, almost half of the cases took place after the MeToo movement emerged in 2017.

Only one in five women reported the harassment to their institution, and for 65% of the victims, the harassment affected their careers negatively. 

The poll takers worked in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics across more than 50 public and private institutions across the world. 

Almost 25% said they were subjected to situations where they were referred to in inappropriate insulting terms, such as doll, babe, or chick. 

25%b reported being asked "intrusive and repeated questions about my private or sex life that make me feel uncomfortable," the survey said.

The majority of the harassment cases were reported to have taken place at the beginning of the victims' careers.

One in five victims do not feel safe at their workplace, and 65% reported that not enough was being done to combat this behavior in the workplace. 

"This survey confirms that science has not been through enough of a revolution since the MeToo movement," Alexandra Palt of L'Oreal Foundation told AFP.

Palt highlighted the need to have an effective and transparent internal reporting system. "If we want to fully harness the potential of women in research, they must feel safe," Palt asserted.

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