It takes courage to stand up and speak your truth when faced with oppression. A study by the Harvard Business Review states that only 1.4% of employees blow the whistle on wrongdoings. Read more.

There is a chance of repercussions, harassment, loss of your job, and worse.

When facing oppression, build your network and find your allies. Use your network to expand your horizons, as well as find groups to work together to enact change.

As a leader, you have opportunities for change:

• Retool the way your organization handles complaints. Reporting tools need to protect the victim and allow group reporting.
• Make employees feel comfortable by building a culture of safety that focuses on tolerance, tone, and a lack of judgment.
• Let employees know that behaviors will not be tolerated and action will be fair and just.
• Follow up with actions to support your claim.

Above all, stand up to a situation that makes you question your self-worth. Take steps to rectify a destructive situation or explore alternative options. Use your network for support or new opportunities.