Hi SC,
Of course, this is a burning issue ever and is going to be for years to come simply because a huge mindset turnover should happen when it comes to any kind of gender bias and to be more specific sexual harrassment meted on women in workplace. My thoughts are as follows:
1. It is very hard or takes a considerable time for a woman to fathom sexual advances. Most of the time it is subtle and when you are denied a promotion the bottomline is gender. It could be due to lack of understanding of sexual advances or refusual of the same. The underlying factor is your are a women and you get what you deserve with some conditions. that is it. It is true that gender violance is more to do with power and less so to do with sex.
2. we are brought up with gender perceptions. A woman carries her own baggage like, she cannot do certain things by herself, she has to take men's help. Both man & woman contribute to this perception. One such is only 'vampish' or 'fast' women climb the ladder of success in work place. This happens more due to career aspirations of a woman. If a woman chooses career to marriage then she is termed with 'loose character' and is subjected to sexual harrassment.
3. Very few such cases are reported. Huge number of harassments go unnoticed. Why? It is difficult to prove and very few stay with the grieved woman to support. She will be left all alone in this battle. So why take the risk.
4. The stigma of society is also another factor. If a women is sexually harrassed it is due to her and not the man. As is it is posted, dressing style. now this is again matter of perception and mindset. What explanation can one give to the underage girls who get raped? is it provcative dress?
5. Regarding reporting to the police station. Our police fraternity should be sensitive in such cases. But, instead, the insinuation is it is the girl's fault in getting harrassed. Most of them refuse to accept FIRs as it is a messy affair.
6. Most of the women simply do not know what can be done, what should be done and that they are entitled for a free lawyer to fight the case. There are enough laws to protect women problem is very few know.
Lastly, all of us, women and men should leave gender out of business/workforce. Respect each other and work we do and promote conducive atmosphere. Most importantly, a workshop on Gender Communication should be given in all the induction programs of all companies.
DK