How Can Women in Government Jobs Handle Unsafe Situations with No Support from Management?

Incident at Government Sector Bank Headquarters

A senior manager working at the government sector bank headquarters faced an unsettling incident. After completing her work, she left the office after 7 PM and used the car service arranged by the bank specifically for women's safety. Unfortunately, the bank's car driver behaved inappropriately with her.

The next day, she reported the incident to the top authorities. They requested a written complaint, but she hesitated, explaining that she lives alone in a new state and the driver might have connections with local troublemakers. The authorities responded, "Many women like you have complained about him, but no one is willing to provide a written complaint, so we cannot take action against him."

Two days later, she found a piece of paper in her handbag with some mobile numbers written on it. She called the number, which belonged to a top official, and escalated the complaint again. The official's response was, "Keep your bag safe."

Three weeks later, she discovered another piece of paper with the same handwriting, a phone number, and an "I love you" message. She escalated the complaint once more, but the top official said, "This is nothing. If any damage or harm occurs, we can take action. These things happen in life; you can ignore it or take action. However, you must provide a written complaint."

She is in a precarious situation as her boss permits her to work past 8:30 PM, requiring her to travel alone for two hours at night. She is deeply distressed. Is there any solution for this? Please share.

If you need further assistance, feel free to ask.

Safety Measures for Late Night Travel

What makes you stay up late hours? Try to leave the office by the close of work hours. In case of any delay due to work, kindly keep in touch with at least two or three persons close to you and keep the GPS active on your mobile phone. While traveling, start speaking on the mobile with someone, state that you are traveling in a company-sponsored vehicle, mention the driver's name, vehicle number, and other details. This way, the driver will have the fear in mind that if he does something wrong, he will be in trouble as the details have already been shared with someone outside the office premises.

If possible, try to establish your relationship (like an uncle, aunt, or someone very close to you) so that the driver knows that you have influence in the police department or with higher officials.

Since the driver holds influence in your office, it is important to convey that your level is above his and your influence level surpasses his. Act tactfully and do not show fear on your face.

You can also submit a written complaint and mark at the bottom to copy to the nearby police station. Additionally, you can approach the Internal Compliance Committee of your organization or the local compliance committee at the district level.

Please take necessary precautions and ensure your safety.

Best regards.

Internal Complaint Mechanisms for Sexual Harassment

Every PSU bank has an Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) for the prevention and investigation of sexual harassment. Additionally, the government has its own mechanism at the central level through the National Women's Rights Commission. You can file a complaint with either of them. If you choose not to complain, then no one can help you. Without a written complaint, the managers can't assist you.

There is a set procedure for oral complaints, for which you need to go to the ICC. If you don't want to do either, then crying about it will be of no use.

Regards

Steps to Address Workplace Harassment

Take bold action by submitting a written complaint to the management. Attach photocopies of the note stating "I love you" and the phone number, etc. Verbal complaints can always be denied subsequently. Leave the office on time with your coworkers and staff. Keep the note and phone numbers safe.

If you believe that the management is not addressing the issue, inform the civil police in writing with a copy of your complaint to the management. Be courageous and show no fear, even if you are feeling fearful (it is natural to have fears). Remaining silent is the biggest mistake in such cases.

Oral complaints have no relevance for taking any action by the management without a very basic record of a formal complaint on file.

Clarification of Involvement

Since you are discussing an incident involving another woman, firstly, please clarify how you are connected to the incident and in what capacity you are inquiring on behalf of the senior manager of the bank.

Gaps in the Story

Secondly, there are some serious gaps and holes in your story. You mentioned that the woman is being sexually harassed by her driver but is not willing to file a formal complaint about the harassment or the slips found in her bag. A pertinent question arises: why is she not filing a formal complaint, especially considering her senior position in management? Furthermore, a driver hired to transport women safely would not likely harass her unless provoked or insulted.

Need for Clarification

Thirdly, unless the woman clarifies crucial points, particularly about the nature of the harassment and her reluctance to file a complaint, any suggested solutions may not be effective without evidence on record, especially from her complaint.

Questioning the Evidence

Fourthly, how can you be certain that the paper chits placed in her bag were the driver's doing?

If you are willing to clarify on her behalf, pose a question to her about justifying any action against the driver in the absence of a complaint or evidence. What if the driver takes legal action against the management for punishment without a formal complaint or necessary evidence?

Solution Through Written Complaint

The solution lies in her submitting a written complaint to the management. This action will enable a systematic investigation according to the prescribed procedures to adhere to the laws regarding sexual harassment in the workplace.

Regards

Facing Sexual Harassment: Fight or Flee

There are two scenarios:

1. Either she fights
2. Or she flees

It's no use complaining about sexual abuse and suffering. It only creates fears in our minds. The best way is to face it, fight it through the appropriate channel, and in an appropriate manner.

If, despite doing so, the management fails to support her, she should then file a police complaint too. If it still doesn't help, she has to stand up for herself and fight for her rights alone. If she can't do it, then it's better to change the job. But trust me, facing the abuser and the system is not as difficult as sitting and not doing anything about it. Your half battle is won if you face the abuser and threaten to take public action against him.

As women, we need to outcast such individuals by collectively standing against them. If all the women in the office support her and force the management to change the driver (if he is the real culprit), I am sure the management will take action. Trust me, it's easier than suffering the abuse or just complaining about it.

Regards

Mandatory Internal Complaint Committee for Government Sector Banks

It is mandatory for all Government Sector banks and PSUs to have an Internal Complaint Committee. Please inquire about it and be bold in lodging your complaint against misconduct. Provide it in writing and attach photocopies of the relevant evidence. Request a receipt for the same. Also, send a copy to the concerned police station, which will compel the committee to take action on your complaint. Remember, if you don't stand up for yourself, no one else will, and it also encourages the actions of such offenders. Cut off the roots of such behavior so they do not flourish and cause trouble for you or anyone else.

Regards