Why Are Sexual Harassment Cases Rising at Workplaces? Let's Explore the Root Causes Together

Point-to-Ponder

"What is the Root Cause of the Reported Surge in Cases/Incidents/Occurrences of Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace?"

Some Options for Consideration:

1. Apathy on the part of some employers and their lukewarm response to faithful compliance with the objective as stated in the preamble of the SHWW (P, P & R) Act 2013; commonly referred to as the PoSH Act.

2. Lack of adequate sensitization of the employees of the workplace establishment with the provisions that any act, behavior, conduct, or deed of sexual harassment of a woman not only constitutes an act of misconduct within the meaning of service rules or the certified standing orders, as the case may be, but it shall also constitute an act of offense punishable under IPC; and shall also constitute a grim violation of the fundamental rights of a woman; and shall be deemed as a violation of the International Convention ratified by Sovereign India in 1993.

3. Cursory sensitization of the employees of the workplace establishment, particularly of the women employees, expressly assuring them that there will not be any retaliatory action for filing their SH allegations/complaints and making them thoroughly know the SH allegations/complaints filing/registering procedure, including informing them about online SH complaints filing/registering on the She Box Portal.

4. Better options suggested by avid readers of this post.

Accurate and proper guidance from effective internal committee presiding officers and members, PoSH advisors, PoSH consultants, PoSH enablers, PoSH practitioners, and PoSH management guides are bound to result in a cathartic and clear-cut understanding of the legal mandate in regard to the eradication or curbing of the menace.

Regards, Harsh K Sharan, XLRI Alumnus Co-Founder Director - Kritarth Consulting Pvt Ltd Team of Special Educators PoSH Programs; [Email Removed For Privacy Reasons] [Email Removed For Privacy Reasons] [Email Removed For Privacy Reasons] [Phone Number Removed For Privacy-Reasons]; 3rd Nov 2022

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**Location**: Delhi, India

sexual harassment, standing orders, certified standing orders, service rules, internal committee, Country-India, City-India-Delhi,

**Location**: Delhi, India

sexual harassment, standing orders, certified standing orders, service rules, internal committee, Country-India, City-India-Delhi,

The root cause of the reported surge in cases/incidents of sexual harassment of women at the workplace can be attributed to a combination of factors, including:

- Apathy on the part of some employers who fail to comply faithfully with the objectives outlined in the Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace (PoSH) Act of 2013.
- Lack of adequate sensitization among employees regarding the serious implications of sexual harassment, both as misconduct under service rules and as an offense punishable under the Indian Penal Code.
- Insufficient assurance to women employees that there will be no retaliatory actions for reporting harassment and a lack of clear guidance on the filing/registering procedures for sexual harassment complaints.
- Effective internal committees, PoSH advisors, consultants, and management guides play a crucial role in ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the legal mandates for eradicating or curbing workplace harassment.

To address this issue effectively, organizations must prioritize compliance with the PoSH Act, conduct regular sensitization programs for all employees, establish clear reporting mechanisms, and ensure a supportive environment for victims to come forward without fear of reprisal. Additionally, fostering a culture of respect, gender equality, and zero tolerance for harassment is essential in creating a safe and inclusive workplace for all employees.