Making work places safer for women

Abstract

In this changing world and marketplace, every organisation understands the importance and advantage of having a diverse workforce supported by both men and women equally (Green, Lopez, Wysocki & Kepner, 2002). Sexual Harassment (SH) is one of the biggest challenges faced by women at workplace across the globe (Srivastava, 2010) Studies show that while fulfilling duties at workplace many individuals generally who are in power commit offences of sexual harassment believing that there will be no action taken against them. Although the working institutions have gone a long way in modernisation and development, the cases of sexual harassment continue. According to World Policy Analysis Centre nearly 235 million women Worldwide lack legal protection from sexual harassment at workplaces. In India research by Business Standard in 2017 found that 70% of the cases of sexual harassment of women go unreported. Supreme Court in Vishakha case for the first time brought guidelines for ensuring a safe environment at workplace in India. The guidelines later helped to enact Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act 2013. Sexual Harassment not only causes physical pain, but the victim goes through mental and emotional trauma. In this paper the author attempts to understand that inspite of such a powerful POSH Act in India, why the number of cases of sexual harassment are increasing and makes recommendations for creating awareness amongst masses so that we are able to create a healthy work culture.