EXAMINING SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND THE CONTINUED OBJECTIFICATION OF WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE.

The recent monstrous gang rape of a young female doctor in Kolkata has left most of us enraged and shocked, in equal amounts. The culprits of this heinous act must be severely punished. Although it is disheartening to see that the people in power are trying their best to cover it up. However, call me an optimist because I sincerely believe that the truth would definitely prevail and the perpetrators be brought to a severe justice one way or the other.

The question is… WHY do we wait till such abominations to happen against women before we actually address the problem? Why are work place sexual harassment against women not taken seriously enough? Ask your female friends, your family, your relatives; Eighty percent would admit to having been sexually harassed to some extent in their lives.

Be it in public places, or be it in their places of work. Most of the women I know are so used to this obnoxious behavior, that they have developed their own systems of protection and survival from these sexual predators.

At SKB we still follow the principal that a female employee is always escorted to their cars in the Parking lots especially if they are working after 7 pm. I personally have done so many times. Call me old school, but I believe as a gentleman, the safety and well-being of my staff is of utmost concern.

With that in mind I wanted to highlight what constitutes Sexual Harassment for Women in the Work Place in today’s article. This is just to give an awareness to women to look for the signs that may victimize them.

Sexual harassment in the workplace can take many forms and may vary in terms of severity. It’s paramount to recognize the proper signs to address and prevent it from the start. Some common signs of sexual harassment for women in the workplace include:

1.?? INAPPROPRIATE JOKES OR COMENTS – This is taken very casually in some work places, but inappropriate sexual remarks, jokes, or comments about someone's looks, body, appearance, or clothing can create a very uncomfortable work environment especially for a woman. Ladies please don’t take this lightly even if it comes from your direct boss (Which it should NOT)

?2.?? INAPPROPIATE PHYSICAL CONTACT – Unwelcome physical interactions such as touching, hugging, or brushing up against someone can be considered sexual harassment if it in anyway makes the individual feel uncomfortable.

?3.?? SHARING OF MATERIAL THAT ARE SEXUAL IN NATURE – Another area that most employees are not aware of, is the posting or sharing of sexually explicit materials, such as pictures, posters, or other visual content, in common areas, or through digital channels at work or sent to you personally via any form of media.

?4.?? PERSISTENT PERSONAL ATTENTION – Repeatedly asking for dates or expressing romantic interest even after the person has declined. This can create an uncomfortable and intimidating atmosphere for a woman. In these cases, please send an Email stating your discomfort with the situation so that it can later be evidenced as inappropriate behaviour with your HR department and appropriate actions can be taken if it still continues.

5.?? QUID PRO QUO HARASSMENT – These are Implied or direct demands for sexual Favors in exchange for job benefits, promotions, or favorable work conditions. This in fact is one of the most common forms of harassment.

?6.?? STALKING OR SURVEILLANCE OF STAFF– Following or monitoring a person’s activities at work, during breaks, or even outside of work hours, leading to a feeling of being constantly watched or harassed is something that constantly happens nowadays. Please be aware of these actions from your co-workers.

?7.?? DEROGATORY COMMENTS IN GROUP SETTINGS– Making inappropriate or sexualized comments during meetings, group settings, or public interactions that single out or objectify women is considered severe harassment.

?8.?? HARASSMENT RETALIATION - Retaliation or punishment for rejecting advances or speaking out against harassment, which can include demotions, exclusion from meetings, or other adverse employment actions for women employees is also a very common form of harassment especially in the corporate field.

With reference to the above, ladies please be more careful in your workplace and keep an eye out for these sexual predators the Best You Can.

Lastly, trust your gut instincts about a person and do not participate in any conversations or activities that makes you uncomfortable. Always stand up for yourself. Be safe.

Sincerely,

S. Khugan