The last couple of years have been crucial for shattering the glass ceiling. A number of courageous women from all walks of life have spoken out about their experiences of sexual harassment, abuse, and exploitation. It took a lot of guts and we lauded their effort in exposing the perversion we’ve been harbouring within our society. However, now that concrete movements have been established in various parts of the world that deal directly with the aggressors, has there been an equivalent change in society too? This study by the Leeds School of Business, USA suggests that between 2016 and 2018, American women experienced significantly lower levels of sexual harassment in the workplace, but increasing levels of gender harassment.
First, this research was conducted with American women so we cannot draw conclusions about India from it. However, do a quick search about the situation in India and you will find that the situation is quite grave. According to a research released by Pink Ladder, a career enhancement ecosystem for female professionals, 56% women believe that sexual harassment at the workplace has increased over the years, and 53% women have been subject to sexual comments, gestures, and jokes at the workplace. It was carried out with 200 women from 80 organisations across Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, and New Delhi.
According to the study, close to 80% women were aware of policies against sexual harassment at the workplace, but almost 30% women still hesitate to complain to the internal complaints committee about such incidents. This is truly a shocking number. However, when you look at their American counterpart, the awareness is creating a positive impact in terms of feeling less shame in reporting harassment. In this case, women with similar experiences have supported each other and helped in negating the guilt.
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