Evaluate Our Brains Not Our Bodies, Female Job Seekers Cry out
Anthony Ekpo BASSEY
Young female job seekers have cried out to employers of labour to consider their brains and the rich human potentials they can contribute to any job they apply for and not their bodies.
According to them, they feel estranged and embarrassed each time they go for job interviews with the hope of getting their dream jobs they applied for, rather than receive compliments for their brain products or performances at job interviews, male employers would choose to pass complimentary remarks at their breasts, backsides and other body features.
Speaking with our Correspondent, a female Job seeker, Glory Effiong, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, expressed disappointment over the characters of men she meets each time she attends a job interview.
“I am always disappointed at the characters of men I meet each time I attend job interviews in any part of this country. Rather than compliment my performance at the interview, I hear them making confessions about their admiration of my breasts and ass. I often feel ashamed and embarrassed.”
Another female applicant, Joyce Evans, in Calabar, Cross River State, said that she has stopped applying for jobs because of the frequent passes men make at her each time she attends job interviews.
“Honestly, I have stopped applying for jobs because of the passes men make at me each time I go for job interviews. Enough is enough.”
A visibly shy lady, Josephine Idere, at Asaba, Delta State, regretted that some men don’t see anything wrong in making certain advances at women in official places. “Do you know that some men see no wrong at making advances at women even in the office or venues for job interviews? Sadly, it is becoming a norm.
"I don’t know what such men expect of young ladies. Do you expect me to just throw myself at you merely because I need a job?”
Also expressing disappointment at the carnal attitude of some male employers, Sharon David at Ikeja, Lagos, said: “It is the reason I have stopped searching for a job. It is so sad to recall that everywhere I went to scout for a job, there must be a man somewhere who wants me on bed before I am promised a job. Now, I am looking for money to start a business for myself.”
Advising young women to always be upright, maintain their integrity and remain steadfast and hopeful, inspite of the challenging times, Prof. Margaret Agiang, an erudite scholar and lecturer in the Department of Biochemistry, University of Calabar, offered her counsel: “female job seekers should not mortgage their integrity for anything including getting a job.
I know that times are hard and people are ready to do anything for a living. But as a Christian, I will not approve of messing one’s life for a job or money. It may be difficult waiting for God’s time but I believe that such time will surely come and when it does, it compensates for past pains.”
Prof. Agiang prayed and hoped that a time will come when the official space will be devoid of sentiments and frivolities especially, for female job seekers. “Meanwhile, we keep praying for a sane and God fearing system.” Agiang, expressed hope.
Also commenting on this issue, an Associate Professor and Head, Department of Advertising at University of Uyo, Assoc. Prof. Aniebo Samson, advised female applicants to always dress corporately and responsibly when going for job interviews, to avoid selling themselves out. “In sane organisations, dressing matters. The manner you present yourself matters a lot.
"If you are indecently dressed, you are already telling people you have something to advertise. So, they will come trying to sample your products. For the females of easy virtue, that will go.”
The University don continued: “Some people for desperation sake, submit their bodies to be defiled. Besides, there are still employers with evil eyes. No matter how responsibly you dress, they will still make advances. Their eyes are already evil. To this end, parents should also be cautioned not to put pressure on their children. There should also be some form of advocacy by the media to minimise this ugly ill.” Aniebo, remarked.
