Ogilvy copywriter releases clothing label addressing workplace harassment
Content warning: This article discusses sexual harassment and assault
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Georgie Waters, a senior copywriter at Ogilvy Sydney, is taking on workplace sexual harassment with clothing label, This Is A Statement.
The garments are emblazoned with the phrases ‘think before you speak’ and ‘be decent’, which were chosen by Waters to prompt people to rethink their behaviour.
The profits from one in three products sold are donated to organisations dedicated to bringing an end to sexual harassment, such as ANROWS and Our Watch. For International Women’s Day, 100% of the profits will be donated.
Waters’ said her inspiration for the clothing label was her own experience of sexual harassment in the early years of her career. Her frustration at the lack of accountability in many cases of harassment keeps her motivated to continue with This Is A Statement.
“Workplaces have come a long way and I believe most businesses are trying to do the right thing, but you just need to look at the recent revelations surrounding Brittany Higgins’ alleged sexual assault in Parliament House – arguably Australia’s most influential workplace – to see that there is still a long way to go,” Waters said.
“And while there are big steps that organisations can take, it’s individual accountability and education on the ‘grey area’ that’ll help affect change in the day-to-day.
“That’s where I see This Is A Statement fitting in, I wanted there to be a constant reminder for people to be mindful of their behaviour. If we’re mindful of our behaviour and actions and aware of the impact they can have on others, we’ll be one step closer to preventing workplace sexual harassment.”
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The brand’s Instagram account has begun exploring the ‘grey areas’ of sexual harassment, with a series of posts called ’50 Shades of Harassment’. Each post highlights behaviours which might not be categorised as sexual harassment but carry unintentional and harmful consequences with the aim of educating people to be more aware of their actions.
Waters said: “Fashion is a great way to make a statement and make the cause more accessible, but it’s the organisations that I donate to that can affect real change; they can support victims, offer legal support and advise workplaces on what more can be done.”
