Workplace safety is not negotiable at any level

Source– The post is based on the article “Workplace safety is not negotiable at any level” published in the “mint” on 4th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Vulnerable sections of the population. GS1- Social empowerment

Relevance: issues related to women

News– The article deals with the issue of sexual harassment of women at workplaces.

What are some statistics related to sexual harassment of women at workplace?

According to a 2022 report by the International Labour Organization, nearly 23% of employed individuals globally experienced violence and harassment at work.

In India, an analysis conducted by Mint revealed that the country’s leading publicly traded companies witnessed a significant 70% increase in sexual harassment complaints during the period of 2022-23.

This rise in reported cases was particularly prominent among 23 large-cap firms.

Which factors are responsible for increased reporting of sexual harassment cases at workplaces?

In the previous fiscal year, a significant number of employees transitioned back to work on hybrid models after the pandemic-induced shift to remote work. The increase in reported cases of harassment could potentially be attributed to this shift.

The rise in reported cases could also be explained by improved reporting mechanisms due to clearer guidelines and policies implementation.

There is  a greater sense of confidence in the redressal process and people now feel more empowered to come forward and seek resolution

In Indian workplaces, awareness of rights and grievance mechanisms has increased significantly since the introduction of the Supreme Court’s Vishaka guidelines in 1997.

These guidelines laid the foundation for the Sexual Harassment of Women in the Workplace Act of 2013, commonly known as the PoSH Act.

Well-managed companies are educating their staff about this law seriously. As a result, office employees now have a clearer understanding of the scope of the PoSH Act and the various forms of harassment.

The global movement of speaking up and exposing predators has also influenced India Inc. Employers have established Vishaka panels to address harassment cases. Discussions about gender ratio and autonomy have become common topics in office conversations.

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted companies to address the emotional and physical safety of their employees.

Well-managed companies have established a PoSH apparatus. But, they are exceptions. The majority of formal and informal organisations in the country lack adequate safety measures.

Way forward-

It is crucial to recognize that this law is to safeguard every individual across all levels of employment, regardless of positions.

Addressing this challenge requires collective effort from all stakeholders. Gender justice must be at the forefront of this endeavor.