In the depths of the Antarctic winter, amidst howling winds and perpetual darkness, Liz Monahon, a mechanic at McMurdo Station, found herself taking matters into her own hands. Faced with a man she feared would harm her, and without protection from those in charge, she decided to protect herself. She kept a hammer close at all times, either in her Carhartt overalls or tucked in her sports bra. Monahon was determined to survive. However, Monahon’s story is not unique. Many women at the US research center in Antarctica have faced sexual harassment and assault, thanks to the isolated environment and macho culture.
According to a report published by the National Science Foundation in 2022, 59% of women in Antarctica reported experiencing harassment or assault, with 72% stating that such behavior was a prevalent issue. The problem extends beyond the harassment itself. It involves a pattern of employers minimizing claims of harassment or assault, which puts women in further danger. This became evident through court records, internal communications, and interviews with current and former employees.
In response to a congressional committee in December, Kathleen Naeher, the COO of the civil group at Leidos, pledged to implement measures such as installing peepholes on dorm room doors, limiting access to master keys, and providing extra satellite phones to teams in the field. However, these proposed fixes were criticized by Rep. Mike Garcia, R-Calif., who believed they should have been implemented before sending anyone to Antarctica.
The NSF report led to a Congressional investigation, during which Leidos, the prime contractor, claimed to have received “zero allegations” of sexual assault in Antarctica over a five-year period. However, their claim contradicts their own emails. It is important to note that McMurdo typically houses 200-300 people during the winter and over 1,000 during the summer, with men making up around 70% of the population. Law enforcement falls under the responsibility of a single deputy US Marshal.
The AP, while reviewing cases, found multiple instances where women who reported harassment or assault faced further adversity. One woman was made to work alongside a colleague who had groped her, another was fired after disclosing her assault, and a third had her rape allegations downgraded to harassment by her bosses.
One woman, Liz Monahon, encountered a particularly threatening individual named Zak Buckingham. The situation escalated to a point where a bartender called the station’s 911 number. In an attempt to protect her, Monahon’s supervisor sent her on a risky eight-day resupply mission away from Buckingham. This decision, although well-intentioned, placed Monahon in a dangerous situation. It is important to highlight that Monahon and the majority of the individuals quoted in this story are speaking out publicly for the first time. Trapped in one of the most remote places on Earth, these women were left to fend for themselves.
Despite the challenges they faced, many women like Monahon were determined to continue working in Antarctica. However, the current state of affairs has left them questioning if they are truly winning the battle. Monahon, for instance, has decided to skip this season. In the fight against harassment and assault in Antarctica, the women believe there is still much to be done.
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