'Director of emancipation knowledge center fired for transgressive behavior'
Note: Talking about biases ... I had to scan the article twice, before realizing that the director is a woman. I had automatically assumed it must be a man. So I was extra astonished by: "starting meetings with belly dancing and sometimes appearing in her bra or thong in the workplace"
Kaouthar Darmoni was fired early this month as director of Atria, the Knowledge Institute for Emancipation and Women's History. De Volkskrant writes, based on an external investigation, the conclusions of which the newspaper has in its hands, that Darmoni was allegedly repeatedly guilty of "(sexually) transgressive and intimidating behavior" toward subordinates. According to the report from which the Volkskrant quotes, she also allegedly "did not treat staff employment rights with integrity."
Among other things, Atria does research on equal treatment and opportunities for women and girls. The organization is involved in campaigns and itself advises companies and governments, including on combating transgressive behavior.
Three former Atria employees tell the Volkskrant that Darmoni behaved exhibitionistically, starting meetings with belly dancing and sometimes appearing in her bra or thong in the workplace. A former employee is quoted, "Sometimes when dancing she would press her breasts or buttocks against you. If anyone said anything about her behavior, she would laugh at you squarely."
Public shaming and harassment also allegedly occurred. Further, former employees complain that the Atria office was hung with cameras. This was called a security measure, but in practice staff would have been monitored with them.
Darmoni would not comment on the conclusions of the investigation in the Volkskrant. She does say, however, that she is challenging her dismissal in court because she says the reasons for her dismissal are "incorrect" and a "concoction of fabrications." She goes on to say that "the opinions of employees who were positive and objected to the investigators' insinuating line of questioning" were not included.
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https://nos.nl/artikel/2458160-dire...patie-ontslagen-om-grensoverschrijdend-gedrag