Blog Details

Author - Associate Shereen Abdin

In today's society, sexual harassment has unavoidably become a pressing social issue in the workplace. The recent #metoo movement has created a pressure that has forced many corporate companies to take dutiful action in this regard. The POSH Act was introduced to help employees learn how to anticipate, manage, and inform such cases of harassment. Every company aims to provide a secure working place for women, and this is well achieved by complying with the POSH policy.

Sexual Harassment

Any conduct relating to physical, vocal, emotional that harms the other person is regarded as harassment, and not encouraged in the POSH policy. In such a case, strict action is taken on the person who has committed the abuse.

Different kind of sexual disturbances includes sexual favours demanded as a threat to promotion or employment of a person, sharing exposed images, sending underrated jokes, molestation, interference with the personal lives of women, abuses related to the appearance of a person.

Internal Complaint Committee (ICC)

It is advised to form a committee in every organisation to discuss these harassment issues. The panel must comprise of four members out of which two must compulsorily be women, and must be approachable. All the complaints must be duly recorded, and appropriate action is required to be taken after a valid enquiry session.

Procedure to address Complaints

There is a procedure to register the complaints within three months from the date of happening along with evidence if any. ICC has the sole responsibility to address each complaint within 60 days. This involves a one- one-enquiry session with the members and finds the solution for the complaint. Corrective action includes a formal apology, suspending the person if found guilty for such offence, a formal counselling, and a written warning to be given to the employee.

Solution to Victims

• Provide leave to take a break.
• Transfer to another department, where the employee feels comfortable.
• Monetary Compensation.

Potential Role of CSR

The main agenda of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) tool is to create gender equality and diversity at the workplace. This, in turn, ensures enough freedom to women at the workplace, and provide equal growth opportunities to excel in their career. The current problems faced by the women are giving low remuneration, subjected to sexual harassment, barred from voicing their thoughts in important decisions, and are demotivated at the workplace even when performed well.

Although women have broken the records and reached a great position in this chauvinistic society, there are so many barriers faced by women. This includes suppressing women at the workplace and hindering them to achieve the next level in the corporate field. However, the situation has slightly changed. There are so many women outshining in the industry, but when coming to top-management level the statistics report of female managers is not convincing. This lowers their self-esteem and affects their professional growth.

In 2010, the UN Global Compact insisted on Gender Equality on the agenda of CSR with the launch of women empowerment principles. These principles focus on creating gender equality for women in the workplace. Empowerment of women is very much important for building powerful economies, enhance the life of a woman, and promote better business goals

The outcomes of gender equality are connected to a better relationship among employees and promote the productivity of the company. Apart from this also ensures to improve their quality of life, and create an unbiased society for women.

Conclusion

The corporate role in creating a safe and reliable the workplace for women has been tremendous in recent days. Many of the firms have become complaint with POSH and created an internal committee to create awareness among employees. There is an increased demand on conducting more sessions on POSH to sensitize your employees with the help of expert trainers, who can impart knowledge in this aspect. To conclude, make sure the company politics is not dominating the victims, and ensure the right amount of punishment is given to the person.

It is necessary to build a safe working place for the future generation. So, be responsible while raising men, and give equal roles to women at the workplace by encouraging their talents without suppressing them. Let our country become a better place with independent, confident, and talented women.