Understanding sexual harassment

Gender discrimination is prevalent in most workplaces and this, very often, leads to cases of sexual harassment. There are myths and biases on gender that contribute to sexual harassment. Thus, many times the cases are condoned which negatively affects the victim. Such gender biases have also led to the guilt being transferred from the perpetrator to the victim.

There have been various legal steps that have been taken to bring an end to sexual harassment at the workplace. A discussion on the Vishakha Directives and The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 becomes crucial. Through examples, the Module tries to address the various issues related to prevention, prohibition and redressal of the issue.

The objectives of this Module are to build:

• Understanding on the definition of sexual harassment at the workplace
• Conceptual clarity on the impact of sexual harassment in the workplace
• Awareness on the existing legal provisions in Indian laws