In a recent podcast appearance, Penelope Brooke Thompson, founder of the African Centre for Technical Training (ACTT), revealed some surprising experiences during her tenure as a lecturer at Ashesi University.
Thompson, an accomplished professional who maintains a youthful appearance, shared how her attractiveness became a distraction for some male students.
During the podcast, Thompson disclosed that students often related to her more like a peer than a lecturer, with some male students even addressing her in a manner akin to a girlfriend.
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However, the most startling revelation came during a performance appraisal when Thompson discovered anonymous comments that read, “She’s too hot, we can’t concentrate in class.”
Thompson, who usually wore trousers and shirts, was taken aback when her head of department confronted her about the comments. “We would rather the students listen to you than look at you,” her boss conveyed, leaving Thompson surprised and exclaiming, “What!”
The Ashesi University lecturer’s shock stemmed from the fact that she believed her attire was conservative compared to other staff members who wore shorter skirts.
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Thompson clarified that she never experienced chauvinism at Ashesi but encountered challenges dealing with inappropriate advances from some male colleagues.
To counter these advances, especially during fundraising efforts, Thompson resorted to wearing a fake engagement ring. Despite this precaution, she continued to face unwarranted comments and propositions.
“Sometimes we’ve gotten to the signing point and they’ll tell a joke like ‘you know you have to have a child for me before I can give you this money, right?’” Thompson revealed.
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Her decision to wear a fake engagement ring sheds light on the lengths she went to maintain professionalism in a work environment tainted by inappropriate behavior.
Thompson’s experiences raise important questions about the challenges women in academia and professional settings face, highlighting the need for a culture of respect and equality.
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