Sexual Harassment still a taboo

Speaking about sexual harassment is still considered a taboo in many societies and cultures due to several reasons. I am listing down few of them here:

1. Stigma and Shame: In many societies, there is still a stigma and shame attached to being a victim of sexual harassment, which makes it difficult for people to speak up.

2. Fear of Retaliation: Many people fear retaliation from their offender or others in the workplace if they report sexual harassment. They may also fear damage to their reputation and career prospects.

3. Lack of Awareness: In some societies, people may not be aware of what constitutes sexual harassment or the legal options they have to report and seek redressal. This lack of awareness can lead to a culture of silence around sexual harassment.

4. Gender Inequality: Sexual harassment is often linked to power dynamics, and in many societies, women are still considered inferior to men. This power imbalance can prevent women from speaking up about sexual harassment, as they may feel that their voice will not be heard or taken seriously.

5. Cultural Norms: Some cultures have norms that discourage open discussion of sexual matters. People may feel uncomfortable talking about sexual harassment due to cultural taboos and beliefs.

Overcoming the taboo surrounding sexual harassment requires a concerted effort from society as a whole. It is essential to raise awareness about what constitutes sexual harassment, the legal options available, and the importance of reporting it. Creating a safe and supportive environment for victims to speak up without fear of retaliation is crucial to addressing this issue. Moreover, we need to create a culture of respect and equality, where sexual harassment is not tolerated or excused under any circumstances.

Thus, I strongly recommend all the organizations to provide POSH awareness program to all their employees irrespective of their gender. ICC formation is also a crucial step towards proper redressal of sexual harassment issues. Few companies who had told me that they are very safe and just for compliance they are wanting POSH awareness program, have ended up filing POSH cases after awareness program, Many a times employees don't speak up unless there is a proper system to address the same.

Reach out to me Yasodhai Damodaran @ 8754493216 for creating proper POSH awareness among your employees.

Together lets create a "Harassment Free Country".