Limiting Our Livelihoods: The Cumulative Impact of Sexual Harassment on Women's Careers

Sexual harassment has long been a significant problem for women workers. But with the emergence of the #MeToo movement, there has been a renewed public, cultural and academic focus on workplace harassment. "Limiting our Livelihoods: The Cumulative Impact of Sexual Harassment on Women's Careers" investigates the compounding impact of sexual harassment on women's economic security across their lifespan and career trajectories. This report examines the prevalence of harassment, women's experiences with sexual harassment and the cumulative impact on their economic security across the lifespan. It features original American Association of University Women (AAUW) analysis of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charge data, along with survey responses from AAUW members and individuals in their networks about their experiences with harassment. The AAUW survey data are unique because the sample reflects a group of women with a median age of 64, documenting sexual harassment of older women and the long-term economic consequences across the lifetime. The focus of this report, then, is to better understand the negative consequences of sexual harassment and the subsequent impact on women's careers and economic security, particularly in the later stages of their careers. Finally, recommendations are offered to policymakers, employers and individuals on ways to combat workplace sexual harassment and prevent its harmful long-term consequences. [Former AAUW researchers Kevin Miller and Raina Nelson designed the survey, analyzed the data from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and helped to draft the report. Former and current AAUW Public Policy and Research staff also contributed to the report, including Susannah Cohen, Claire Saba, Anne Hedgepeth, Kate Nielson, Cary Marshall and Lauren Haumesser. Additional support was provided by an AAUW member in Nevada.]