Victoria McDonough has over 30 years of experience in preventing and responding to sexual exploitation and abuse in the aid sector and is currently a senior victim care officer. In this episode, she shares her story and the recurring challenges organisations face in tackling sexual misconduct, including issues of leadership, accountability, and a focus on compliance rather than meaningful change. Throughout the conversation, Victoria discusses the progress made in creating victim-centered practices, but she notes that much remains to be done to tackle under-reporting of sexual misconduct and support those affected, especially in vulnerable communities.

Dr. Marianne Cooper is a sociologist and expert on gender at Stanford University. In this episode she discusses her research on gender dynamics in the workplace and their connection to sexual harassment.

Dr Cooper talks about three main cultural and structural factors contributing to sexual misconduct in the workplace and the constant need for men to prove masculinity. She explores the notion of contest culture within workplaces which sees people undermine and compete with each other in the pursuit of power and status.

We also hear about the particular challenges faced by the aid sector, particularly those working out in the field. Plus, Dr Cooper talks about effective strategies for fostering safer and more equitable workplace environments.