Workplace Harassment in India: The Silent Crisis
Sexual harassment in professional settings remains pervasive yet underreported. Despite legal frameworks like the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act, the problem persists, and most women choose not to report.
The Numbers
Prevalence
- 53% of women have been subject to sexual comments, gestures, and jokes at the workplace
- More than 70% of respondents have felt uncomfortable at the workplace because of presence of a colleague
- 20% of respondents reported unwanted attempts by colleagues to engage in sexual activities
Underreporting
- 68.7% of individuals who experienced sexual harassment at work chose not to make a formal written or spoken complaint
- Less than 1% of women reported incidents of harassment to the police (2010, Jagori)
Why Women Don’t Report
The barriers to reporting are complex and interconnected:
Fear of Professional Repercussions
- Concern about job security and career advancement
- Fear of being labeled a “troublemaker”
- Worry about retaliation from colleagues or supervisors
Lack of Trust in Systems
- Doubts about whether complaints will be taken seriously
- Concern that internal complaints committees may not be impartial
- Fear that reporting will make the situation worse
Societal Stigma
- Fear of being blamed for the incident
- Concern about family and community reactions
- Stigma associated with being a “victim”
Lack of Awareness
- Many women don’t know their rights under PoSH Act
- Unclear about how to file a complaint
- Lack of information about support systems
Broader Context
Workplace harassment doesn’t exist in isolation. It’s part of a continuum of gender-based violence:
- 1 in 3 married women reported facing violence at least once in their lives in India (NFHS-5, 2019-21)
- Harassment in public spaces affects women’s decisions about where to work
- The fear of harassment on the way to work adds another layer of stress
What Needs to Change
1. Better Implementation of PoSH Act
While the PoSH Act exists, implementation is often weak:
- Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) may not be properly constituted
- Training on PoSH is often inadequate or non-existent
- Complaint processes may be unclear or intimidating
2. Creating Safe Spaces
Organizations need to:
- Create genuinely safe spaces for reporting
- Ensure confidentiality and protection from retaliation
- Build trust in complaint mechanisms
3. Changing Workplace Culture
Prevention requires cultural change:
- Greater representation of women in leadership
- Training that goes beyond compliance to address root causes
- Accountability for perpetrators, not just victims
4. Support for Survivors
Women who report need:
- Access to counseling and mental health support
- Legal aid and support through the process
- Protection from retaliation
Informal Sector Workers
Informal sector workers, including domestic workers, remain largely excluded from legal protections and grievance redressal mechanisms. This exclusion exacerbates vulnerability for informal workers, who often have:
- No formal employment contracts
- Limited access to legal recourse
- Overlapping definitions of “workplace” and “domestic space”
Our Work
At Aparajita, we recognize that workplace harassment is a critical issue that requires evidence-based solutions. Through our research and funding, we support:
- Programs that create safer workplace environments
- Training for employers and employees
- Innovations in reporting and redressal mechanisms
- Support for informal sector workers
By addressing workplace harassment as part of the broader continuum of gender-based violence, we can create safer, more equitable work environments for all women.