In today's world, we often hear about the progress women have made in breaking the glass ceiling and achieving their professional goals. However, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Despite advancements, women’s workforce participation remains low, and safety concerns continue to be a significant barrier.
Numerous reports highlight the severe challenges women face in the workplace, including sexual harassment, mental abuse, discriminatory comments, and gender bias. These factors not only hinder their professional growth but also push them to the margins, preventing them from reaching their full potential.
The Safety Concerns Women Face
According to the Deloitte 2024 Women @ Work report, nearly half of the women surveyed expressed concerns about their safety at work or while commuting. Although the number of women experiencing non-inclusive behaviors, such as harassment or microaggressions, has decreased, 43% still reported facing such behaviors in the past year. This statistic underscores the ongoing challenges women face in the workplace.
Rising POSH Complaints
The Udaiti Foundation, through its Close the Gender Gap Initiative, analyzed POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) and workplace discrimination complaints from 700 NSE-listed firms for FY 2023-24. The findings are concerning:
Total POSH complaints filed: Increased from 1,807 in FY 2022-23 to 2,325 in FY 2023-24, marking a 29% year-over-year increase.
Total pending resolution of complaints: Rose from 260 in FY 2022-23 to 435 in FY 2023-24, a 67% year-over-year increase.
The services sector reported the highest number of POSH cases per 1,000 women, followed by the construction materials, metals, and mining sectors. These sectors, where employees primarily work on shop floors or in the field, highlight the need for more robust safety measures.
Is POSH Policy Enough?
These statistics raise crucial questions: Is the POSH policy sufficient to make Indian workplaces safe for women? What additional measures are organizations taking to ensure women's safety?
Despite the existence of the POSH Act and the Vishakha guidelines, creating a safe working environment for women in India remains a significant challenge. A survey conducted by The Udaiti Foundation among over 200 HR leaders revealed that many organizations do not establish an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to address sexual harassment until a complaint is filed. Furthermore, 59% of respondents admitted their organizations had not set up the mandatory ICCs as required by the POSH Act.
“If India has to realize its dream of Viksit Bharat and become a $10 trillion economy, safety for women is non-negotiable. And we have miles to go before Indian women can feel safe at workplaces,” says Pooja Sharma Goyal, Founding CEO of The Udaiti Foundation.
The Importance of Cultivating a Respectful Culture
Merely having policies in place is not enough. Cultivating a culture of respect and enforcing a zero-tolerance policy for violations are crucial. Sayandeb Banerjee, Co-founder and CEO of MathCo, an AI and analytics solutions provider, emphasizes that safety is not just about protection but also about education. At MathCo, POSH training, setting up internal committees, and providing cab services for women working after 7 PM are just some of the measures taken to ensure a safe workplace.
Banerjee believes that continuous training and regular updates are essential to maintaining a safe work environment. Similarly, Roma Priya, Founder of Burgeon Law, highlights the importance of time-bound and confidential complaint resolution, staff training, and a zero-tolerance policy against harassment. She also stresses the need for comprehensive security measures, such as CCTV surveillance and the deployment of women security personnel, especially at night.
Building a Safe and Inclusive Work Environment
While the POSH Act of 2013 mandates employers to provide a safe working environment, more proactive steps are needed to turn this mandate into reality. Cynthia Gokhale, Director of Marketing, Corporate Communication & Service Assurance at ManpowerGroup, points out that educational programs and awareness initiatives are crucial. ManpowerGroup, for instance, organizes a week-long program around Women's Day, focusing on well-being, growth, and safety.
Ultimately, creating a workplace where women feel as safe as men requires a joint effort from both organizations and the government. Stricter laws, enhanced safety policies, and a culture of respect and inclusivity are essential. While the POSH Act provides the necessary legal framework, fostering an environment where women can voice their opinions and work without fear is the only way to ensure their full participation in the workforce.
