– So disgusting that it can be affected by the penal code

In recent days, several women have reported extensive sexual harassment in motor racing. Advocate for equality and the fight against discrimination, Hanne Bjurstrøm, thinks the stories are very serious.

This is the case:

• In recent days, Aftenposten has written about the culture of motorsport. It started with the women who spoke out about sexual harassment.
• Bilcross has had the practice of handing out sex toys to women and men for some years after a well-known run at Momarken.
• Hanne Bjurstrøm, ombudsman for equality and discrimination, says that the penal code affects “sexual act without consent” and “sexually abusive behavior”.

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– Some of the stories that are told are so crude that they can be affected by the penal code.

This is what Hanne Bjurstrøm, Ombudsman for Equality and Discrimination (LDO) says. She is outraged by what has emerged in Aftenposten in recent days, the stories of three women who made known what they had lived in motorsport.

They repressed the worst experiences for fear of retaliation, but thought the issue was so important that they wanted to give an idea of ​​what is moving.

When Bjurstrøm read about the awards ceremony at bilcross this weekend, he was again shocked.

The winners, both women and men, received dildos, condoms, cock rings and lubricants, as well as trophies, laurel wreaths and champagne.

– This is a confirmation of a sexualized culture, he says.

Affected by the Penal Code

Former lawyer and Labor Minister from the other Jens Stoltenberg government has no doubt that the stories women tell are illegal sexual harassment under the Gender Equality Act.

He adds that some of these stories will also be affected by the provisions of the Penal Code.

– Which way?

– The Penal Code affects “sexual act without consent” and “sexually abusive behavior”. For example, touching a person on the breasts or genitals, on the outside of clothing, will be affected by these provisions.

Duty to clean

She emphasizes that the Norwegian Motor Racing Association has a legal responsibility to prevent and deter sexual harassment.

– The Norwegian Motor Racing Association has a duty to fix this, it’s that simple, he says.

Bjurstrøm sees characteristics of motorsport that also emerged when #metoo became a concept in 2017. In many industries, these attitudes and actions have been allowed to live without anyone telling them to stop. What is happening is accepted, without anyone caring. It is often pointed out that “it’s just fun.”

They are usually older men who have a general relationship with younger women.

What is particularly serious about the stories of the motorsport community is that they are about young girls. It is an imbalance of power. Power relations are used to sexually harass in the worst case.

Will provide help

For the past three years, the ombud has had a strong focus on the issue of inequality of power. This means, among other things, taking courses in organizations and companies.

However, there will always be industries and industries that go unnoticed. Bjurstrøm believes that motorsport belongs here, but also the book industry. There were voices that were raised recently and pointed to a culture of bullying.

– A common characteristic is that it is not a culture to be able to speak. In motorsports, we see an industry that is tough and tough and where women have to adapt to an environment and a tone. Now what is happening below the surface emerges and what many men and women are not aware of. It’s great and brave that someone wants to raise their voice.

Bjurstrøm is concerned about other similar settings where there is jargon that makes it difficult for women to share their experiences.

Must be clear

The ombud has a lot of good orientation that you can use.

– The most important thing to start with is that the management comes out clearly and says that this is totally unacceptable and that there should be a washout in all parts of the organization. There should be a strong signal from the direction. We know it works.

All three women who have chosen to stand up know that there are several who have chosen to leave motor racing because of sexual harassment. The same is true in working life.

– If they experience such devastating events and do not receive support from management, the only solution for someone will be to terminate their employment, says Bjurstrøm.

Thankful for the support

– Getting support from the public sector means a huge amount. This makes us stronger in it, says Karin Elise Fossen.

She, Laila Thomsen and Maria Elena Nilsen do not regret for a second that they appeared at Aftenposten and warned about the sexual culture in the motorsport community. Now listen to what the ombud says.

– Outside, in the environment, there are those who do not fully understand the gravity of it. When people write “this is how you have to hold on”, they have misunderstood. It’s not about what I or other women can tolerate, it shouldn’t be. Some cyclists have quit because of this.

The waterfall also gets some “it happens everywhere” comments.

– Then I answer that I understand it, but it is motorsport that I am most passionate about and I know best. Therefore, I, and others with me, were willing to face this problem.

Fossen has received many messages and strong support from women and men. And for those who have never experienced it for themselves and therefore do not believe it to be true, she has this message:

– In my opinion, it should be better to open your eyes to what happens and not be so narrow-minded.

– Do you think this case will lead to changes?

– Yes. The association is already in the process of calling and finding out things. An alert channel has been created. We experience that there is a great will to clean. According to what the ombud believes is the right way to go.