> a woman would not be labelled a liability for reporting a rape or an assault
Well, but that's the problem. She's not saying she will be labelled a liability, but that the environment she works in makes her fear that she would.
As sexism is all about power[1], this is how power works. It's not only in the written rules, but in the atmosphere. Those in the position of less power feel afraid to take advantage of the law/rules, because they're afraid this will somehow be used against them, whether this is what will actually happen or not. You see this not only among women in tech, but among groups that have for a long time been on the receiving end of law enforcement when it comes to calling the police. This fear that the rules won't work in your favor is a great demonstration of how power works.
Well, but that's the problem. She's not saying she will be labelled a liability, but that the environment she works in makes her fear that she would.
As sexism is all about power[1], this is how power works. It's not only in the written rules, but in the atmosphere. Those in the position of less power feel afraid to take advantage of the law/rules, because they're afraid this will somehow be used against them, whether this is what will actually happen or not. You see this not only among women in tech, but among groups that have for a long time been on the receiving end of law enforcement when it comes to calling the police. This fear that the rules won't work in your favor is a great demonstration of how power works.
[1]: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_(social_and_political)