Carole Malone column: NARGA'S GOT A NERVE

1 Comment | Sunday Mirror, Jun 16, 2002 | by Carole Malone

DEE Narga, a former executive of the Prince's Trust, is suing the charity for a reported pounds 70,000 because a male colleague smacked her on the bum.

Ms Narga, who was an executive in charge of 40 staff, managing a seven-figure budget and earning pounds 40,000 a year, was apparently so traumatised by the smack from fellow executive John Greenshaw that she went sick and eventually quit, lodging a complaint for sexual harassment and claiming cash for lost earnings and "injury to feelings".

"As a young Asian woman amidst older, predominantly male executives she was devastated at the lack of support," said a friend. "Her self-esteem is shattered."

HER SELF-ESTEEM IS SHATTERED? What? From one smack on the bum? Oh please...get a life sweetheart!

Let's get one thing straight. No man should ever be allowed to smack a woman's bum and get away with it. The woman should either return the favour - by whacking him across the face or reporting it to the authorities which Ms Narga did and which apparently resulted in an apology from Greenshaw.

But let's get this into perspective - one smack on the bum does not a nervous breakdown make. And just how did this woman ever get to be an executive in the first place if something so silly sends her running for the hills? Hell, if every woman in my profession sued over smacked bums or lewd comments we'd all be in The Priory or its equivalent by now.

And before people start screaming that Ms Narga - who in bringing this case has made it harder for every woman executive struggling against male prejudice - was discriminated against because she was Asian, let's just remember women of every race, colour and creed have been getting smacked on the backside by stupid men for years. Most of them deal with it sensibly. They don't say they're suing as "a matter of principle" then demand pounds 70,000 from a charity that helps under-privileged young people and which needs every penny it can get.

Cases like these aren't about race - they're about greed and a compensation culture which is raging out of control.

And one wonders if in speaking out before the tribunal Ms Narga's "friend" is attempting to force the Trust to settle out of court to avoid any embarrassment about possible accusations of racial discrimination. I do hope not. Because if as Ms Narga insists there's a principle at stake here, it would be wrong if that principle was seen to be bought off!