Background and Rationale

A few decades ago, the workplace was seen to be a space occupied largely by men. Over the years, women have started entering the workforce in large numbers and are now seen in almost every sector of the economy. With this, the composition of the workforce and the related dynamics of the workplace have undergone a change, throwing up many issues that seem to largely affect women. Studies reveal that sexual harassment is still endemic, often hidden and present in different forms within organisations. Very often, these forms of sexual harassment are so subtle and covert that women do not speak out about them, leading employers and others to believe that the issue is trivial, therefore does not have to be addressed in a systematic manner. This thinking is exacerbated by the fact that there is no awareness that sexual harassment has a deep, negative and long lasting, traumatic impact on women, both mentally, emotionally and physically. Given the patriarchal structure of most societies, the issue of sexual harassment within the workplace is an issue that needs to be highlighted and addressed highlighting the fact that workplaces should be conducive to the needs of both women and men. Today, sexual harassment within the workplace is viewed as acts of violence against women as well as a a violation of human rights.

• Origins of sexual harassment at the workplace
• The issue of sexual harassment in India
• PRIA’s Campaign Against Sexual Harassment