An Analytical Study On Sexual Harassment Against Women At Workplace

Naina, LL.M. (Criminology), School of Law, Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth, Faridabad, Haryana

Ms. Mohini Taneja, Assistant Professor, School of Law, Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth, Faridabad, Haryana

ABSTRACT

Over time, women in our society have encountered numerous injustices and inequalities at various stages of life, enduring neglect, physical and mental abuses, servitude, and rejection. Despite their ongoing efforts to combat discrimination, women's struggle for equality, recognition, and survival persists. Sexual harassment at workplace is a widespread disease throughout the world whether it may be a developed nation or a developing nation or an underdeveloped, atrocities against women is still prevailing everywhere. Workplace sexual harassment is a form of gender discrimination which violates a woman’s fundamental right to equality and right to life, guaranteed under Articles 14, 15 and 21 of the Constitution of India. Workplace sexual harassment not only creates an insecure and hostile working environment for women but also impedes their ability to deliver in today’s competing world. Apart from interfering with their performance at work, it also adversely affects their social and economic growth1 and puts them through physical and emotional suffering.

Sexual harassment is a significant issue in India's workplace, causing victims to feel unsafe, humiliated, and fear to go to work. Despite laws in place to protect employees, only 25% of women report harassment to their supervisor or HR department, and only 10% receive a satisfactory response. The reasons for this are the difficulty in proving harassment, the lack of severe penalties, and the lack of awareness among employees about the nature of harassment. To make laws more effective, increasing penalties, providing more training on harassment, and creating a culture of zero tolerance are suggested.

This study aims to extend existing research on sexual harassment, considering both male and female employees, and understanding its effects on mental health and working performance. It will also explore factors leading to increased occurrence and preventive measures. A literature review will be conducted to provide an understanding of the impact of sexual harassment on employees' physical and mental health and develop programs against it.

Keywords: Harassment, Injustices, Inequalities, Sexual Harassment, Rejection, Gender discrimination, Workplace, Penalties, Awareness, Humiliated.