Pune, www.dnaindia.com PUNE SPEAK UP Tuesday, February 9, 2010 epaper.dnaindia.com 4

TUSHAR DUTT.DNA

Sexual harassment at the WHAT IS SEXUAL HARASSMENT? workplace can be devastating, According to the Supreme Court definition, sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexually deter- personally and professionally. mined behaviour, such as: Speak Up explores ways to „ Physical contact prevent such a situation and „ A demand or request for sexual favours even handle it „ Sexually coloured remarks „ Showing pornography „ Any other physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature Dealing with the harasser upfront „ Do the unexpected: Name the behaviour. Whatever he’s just done, say it, and be specific. „ Hold the harasser accountable for his actions. Don’t make excuses for him; don’t pretend it didn’t really happen. Take charge of the encounter and let peo- ple know what he did. Privacy protects harassers, but visibility undermines them. „ Make honest, direct statements. Speak the truth (no threats, no insults, no obscenities, no appeas- ing verbal fluff and padding). Be serious, straight- forward, and blunt. „ Demand that the harassment stop. „ Make it clear that all women have the right to be free from sexual harassment. Objecting to harass- ment is a matter of principle. „ Stick to your own agenda. Don’t respond to the harasser’s excuses or diversionary tactics. „ Reinforce your statements with strong, self- respecting body language: eye contact, head up, shoulders back, a strong, serious stance. Don’t smile. Timid, submissive body language will under- mine your message. „ End the interaction on your own terms, with a strong closing statement: ‘You heard me. Stop harassing women’. What steps can employees take? „ Speaking out: Speaking about sexual harassment is an effective tool in combating it. While speaking DON’T BE A VICTIM about it, the problem becomes visible, it is acknowledged that it exists, and this in turn leads one to take effective measures against it. „ Speak up at the time: Be sure to say ‘no’ clearly, firmly and without smiling as that is the best way to let the harasser know that his behaviour is offen- sive. Objecting to the behaviour when it occurs at your workplace helps if you decide to file charges later. „ Keep records: Keep track of what happens in a journal or diary and keep any letters or notes or other documents you receive. Write down the The difference between the two The ratio of men and women is Being alert can prevent such dates, times, places, and an account of what hap- pened. Write down the names of any witnesses. genders should be nullified now equal now; so it’s quite safe scenarios to a great extent Write a letter. The letter should be polite, unemo- tional, and detailed. Such a letter seems to be more ndia still has an imbalanced power struc- have chosen the Human Resources (HR) ifferentiations due to gender are an evil powerful than a verbal request. The recipient of the I ture. It is ingrained in children’s minds I field, which is challenging for any girl. D that exist at our workplaces. However, letter seldom writes back; the person usually just that women should be subservient. Instead The office environment today is different we have to decide whether to live with them, stops the behaviour. of looking at women as mothers or sisters, from what I had heard from my seniors. This leave them aside or fight them. „ Be aware of situations and people who may they should be treated as equal citizens. Sim- decade of globalisation has brought about People take advantage if given a chance, harm you: Don’t ignore other’s warnings about ilarly, women need to be taught to be re- many changes in the human psyche, espe- so a little bit of alertness can prevent ha- particular people or social settings. Acknowledge sponsible citizens. There are women who use cially among the workforce and in offices. rassment issues to a large extent. We, as their concern for you and for themselves. their beauty and body to get favours. This is Now, the ratio of women and men in of- women, face many problems; for example, a wrong practice. fices is almost equal, so it has become quite double meaning communication in the form „ Trust your own instincts about possible danger: The difference between the two genders should be nullified safe. The troublesome men are the ones who like to flirt and of e-mails or SMS. Technology like chat, voice conferencing In an uncomfortable situation, be direct and hon- in these times of globalisation. Women and men should behave cross the acceptable limit. Women are confident enough to face and networking sites add fuel to the fire. est, and remove yourself from the situation imme- in a mature way.The concept of a woman being a sex symbol such situations and also find a solution to them. However,it is Many offices have cubicles, allowing everyone privacy and diately. Regardless of your previous behaviour or needs to be abolished. This need not be only at the workplace, always better if women stick to the 9 am to 5 pm jobs rather space. However, even glances from the male staff towards our signals you may have given earlier, you have the but anywhere. Women need be respected and should be able than night shifts or working at odd hours. dressing or giving appreciating looks are signs, wherein we absolute right to halt any sexual exchange at any to guard their dignity. —Deepti Mhase, HR CONSULTANT have to be alert. Women have to make a choice to set their pa- time. Accept this right and act on it. SENIOR RESEARCHER, rameters right. Since women employees leave office on time —Vidyut Bhagwat, „ Create a witness to the behaviour: Inform a trust- WOMEN’S STUDIES CENTRE, UNIVERSITY OF PUNE for safety reasons and men can wait even after office hours, it ed colleague and try to ensure that s/he is an eye gives them an edge for promotions. Performance should be the If you cannot complain, look or ear witness to a situation where you are being sole criterion for promotions. If this is not the case, then it’s sexually harassed. This will be useful later if you The SC has made guidelines for other ways out time to make a decision. It is time everyone stops referring to women as the secondary species at the workplace. chose to file a formal complaint. that companies ought to follow ne of my friends had faced a problem like this. She told —Sangeetha Mudliyar, CONSULTANT „ Report sexual harassment to the appropriate O me that her boss used to trouble her,but person in the organisation: Explore the different n case of sexual harassment at the work- since I was not in her office, I could not help avenues available to you and file a formal com- I place, whether the woman is married or her personally.I advised her to talk to the HR Learn to identify people plaint, if necessary. If your organisation does not not, she finds herself helpless as she cannot manager and fight, but she was terrified as have a policy, ensure that your employer formu- discuss the problem with anyone, not even the person in question was her boss. and their intentions lates an anti-sexual harassment policy and carries her dear ones. I discussed the issue with other friends out all the connected tasks. The Supreme Court, through the and we thought that since she cannot com- s a doctor, I would say that this is a Vishakha Guidelines formed in 1997, has plain, she should at least get a transfer to an- A stressful matter for any woman em- Parameters based on the Vishakha Guidelines set clearly defined harassment against women other branch, even if it is in the same city. ployee. It is not easy to share these kinds of by the Supreme Court. and has given parameters of harassment This process took three months, but it was issues with others. This is a problem that de- —Source: www.indiatogether.org that women face in offices. Though the guidelines were formed worth the wait. She was finally away from her tormentor, velops over a period of time; it stays in your in 1997, the implementation has begun now. As per these, the who had harassed her for six months. It is important for women subconscious mind and disturbs you. It af- women staff should form committees in the office. However, to learn to fight such male colleagues and bosses. However, fects your performance at the workplace and Draw a line in the first instance; very few companies have such committees. there are other ways to get out of this situation too. relations at home. There are also no sensitisation workshops held in offices to —Avinash Nikalje, OFFICE ASSISTANT Sexual harassment is a big cause for de- the next stage won’t arise make employees aware of the psychological and sexual ha- pression. Some women are mentally strong rassment that women go through. However, there are preven- and can cope with such situations by fighting back or manip- n the Indian context, since childhood we tive measures that are not known to most women. The work culture has changed ulating. However,most are not able to handle that kind of stress. I are taught to never complain even if Sexual harassment happens not only at the workplace, but It may start with teasing and go on to blackmailing. It is someone troubles you. Instead, children also in public places and education centres. Though the Sex- for the better now the responsibility of the woman employee to maintain distance should be taught to talk and fight against ual Harassment Bill has been tabled in Parliament and is dis- from male colleagues, who she thinks may cause problems. Be- anyone who troubles them. played on the Department of Women and Child Welfare web- t depends on organisation to organisation. coming friendly in the beginning may seem right, but you Women have an instinct and understand site, it has not been passed as yet. INowadays, the HR department is well or- should have the ability to identify people’s characters well. if someone is behaving differently with —Lata Bhise, SOCIAL ACTIVIST FOR WOMEN’S WELFARE ganised and takes such matters seriously.Due If the situation is beyond your control, share the problem them. As soon as you feel this, draw a line in to globalisation and various multinational with a family member or friend, so you can fight back. your interaction with that person. Many companies having their base in India, the Most HR officials are women because they can provide sup- women compromise if they are getting a favour in return, but team speak up work culture has changed for the better. port and counsel women employees if they face this. There there is a limit to this. This is where things go wrong. If men Kiran Dahitule, Rajesh Rao & Mallika Rale Women are in a position to express them- could also be helplines operating at the organisation level, are stopped right then and there, the next stage does not arise. selves and they know how to handle such which will not disclose the identity of the victim. Business meetings and dinners are part of the work culture situations. Definitely,for those who face these Team building and motivational activities at the workplace now, but avoid them if possible. What is your view? instances, it is psychologically traumatic. It can prevent such a scenario. A company has to be transpar- I feel that every office should have a women’s group and con- can disturb women emotionally and physically.It puts a fear in ent in order to be safe for women. nectivity that will help in such situations. However, profes- GET IN TOUCH: Write to us at [email protected] their mind and they start blaming themselves for the problem. —Dr Ravindra L Kulkarni, FOUNDER sional jealousy comes in the way. or call us at 020-39888888 extn 123. —Natasha D’Cruz, PSYCHOLOGIST & DIRECTOR OF THE INITIATIVE ‘JUST FOR HEARTS’ —Neha Udas, HR MANAGER

T E L E V I S I O N

AXN 22:50 Lola One Question 20:00 Engineering The 22:30 Bandini Maat Bolo Jaana Hai 23:30 Rocksta 22:00 12/24 Karol Bagh 19:00 Wipeout Please World 23:00 Rahul Dulhaniya 23:30 Mahayatra 22:30 Aap Ki Antara 20:00 Slamball 23:00 Zabardast Hits 21:00 Man Vs Wild Le Jaayega SAHARA ONE ZEE TV 23:00 Yahaaan Main 21:00 So You Think You 22:00 I Should'nt Be 19:00 Ghar Ek Sapna STAR WORLD 19:00 Ghar Ghar Mein Ghar Ghar Kheli Can Dance COLORS Alive SAB 19:30 Ganesh Leela 19:00 How I Met Your 19:30 Choti Bahu 23:00 David Blaine - 20:00 Mashaal 19:00 Bhagyavidhaata 23:00 Monster Inside Me 20:00 1920 19:00 Saajan Re Jhoot 20:00 Kesariya Balam 20:00 T A - T H E Mother 20:00 Meri Jung 20:00 Jhansi Ki Rani ZING Magic Man on SET MAX 19:30 Maat - Pitaah Ke on STAR GOLD Maat Bolo Aavo Hamare Des on UTV MOVIES 20:00 Bones on ZEE CINEMA 20:30 Yahaaan Main 19:00 Zing Back To Back Charnon Mein... MTV 19:30 Lapataganj 20:30 Mata Ki Chowki 21:00 Friends Ghar Ghar Kheli 19:10 Zing Scoops Wedding 19:00 Mahayatra 19:30 Jaago India BLOOMBERG UTV Swarg 19:00 Mtv Roadies 20:00 Maniben.Com 21:00 Woh Rehne Waali 21:30 Rules Of 21:00 Pavitra Rishta 19:40 Zing Back To Back CARTOON NETWORK 21:00 Spectacular Spas 20:00 Sajan Ghar 20:00 Inside Story 19:00 The Countdown 20:00 Balika Vadhu 20:00 Fantastic 5 20:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Mehlon Ki Engagement 21:30 Agle Janam Mohe 20:00 Zing's Big Screen 19:30 Tom & Jerry Tales For Men Jaana Hai 20:30 Special Report 19:30 Headlines 20:30 Bairi Piya 20:10 Style Check Ooltah Chashma 21:30 Kesariya Balam 22:00 Lost Bitiya Hi Kijo 23:30 Zing Back To Back 20:00 Dragon Ball 21:30 Cut! 20:30 Behenein 21:00 Nonstop@9 20:00 The Countdown 21:00 Yeh Pyar Na 20:20 Wassup 21:00 Saajan Re Jhoot Aavo Hamare Des 23:00 Bones 20:30 Pokemon - 22:00 The Making Of 21:00 Sapna Babul Ka 21:30 Prime Time 21:00 Today On Dalal Hoga Kam 20:30 Non Stop Hits Maat Bolo 22:00 Mata Ki Chowki Diamond & Pearl Kingfisher Bidaai 22:00 Badi Khabar Street 21:30 Laagi Tujhse Lagan 21:00 Wassup 21:30 Jugni Chali 22:30 Ganesh Leela ZEE CAFÉ 21:00 Ben 10 - Alien Calendar 2010 21:30 Yeh Rishta Kya 22:30 Metro News tonight’s best... 21:30 Tomorrow's Bets 22:00 Uttaran 21:10 Non Stop Hits Jalandhar 23:00 Movie - Astitva 19:00 The Tonight Show Force 22:30 Warrior Tribes Of Kehlata Hai 23:00 News Top 10

00:00 hrs. 22:00 News 22:30 Laado 21:30 What The Hack 22:00 Lapataganj With Conan O' 21:30 Dragon Ball Z - Nagaland 22:00 Sabki Laadli Bebo ‘So You Think You

- 22:30 The Asian 23:00 Balika Vadhu 21:40 Wassup 22:30 Fir SONY Brien Fusion Saga 23:00 The Muse 22:30 Mann Ki Awaaz... ZEE SPORTS Can Dance’ Consumer Rises 22:00 Splitsvilla 23:00 Taarak Mehta Ka 19:30 CID Classics Cases 20:00 Friends 22:00 Babe - Pig In Pratigya 20:15 CTV - Minto & Axn 21:00 23:00 News DISCOVERY 23:00 Vj Hunt Ooltah Chashma 20:30 Crime Patrol - 2 20:30 America's Funniest For all the viewers who have The City NDTV IMAGINE 23:00 Sajan Ghar Cundy's Weekend 23:30 Newsroom 19:00 Discovery Select 23:30 Style Check 23:30 Saajan Re Jhoot 21:00 Sukh By Chance Home Videos been vowed by the various 19:00 Do Hanso Ka Joda Review 21:30 Jeet Jayenge Hum 21:00 Brothers & Sisters dance genres showcased by CHANNEL V 19:30 Jyoti 21:00 Real NBA NDTV GOOD TIMES 22:00 Bayttaab Dil Ki 22:00 Private Practice the energetic and talented 19:00 Dare 2 Date 20:00 Rahul Dulhaniya 21:30 Cricket Classics contestants on “So You think 19:00 Lock Stock & Two Tmanna Hai 23:00 The Tonight Show 19:50 Music Le Jaayega 22:00 ICL Jugalbandhi You Can Dance”, it is time to sit up and make way for

19:00 Smoking Tikkas 22:30 Pyaar Ka Bandhan With Conan O' 20:00 The Player 21:00 Rehna Hai Teri 22:30 Adventure Sports the jaw dropping performance of Caitlin & Jason 19:30 Bodylicious Yoga 23:00 Crime Patrol - 2 Brien grooving to the beats of the runaway hit “Jai Ho”. The 21:30 Zabardast Hits Palkon Ki Chaaon 23:00 World Poker Tour 20:00 Highway On My 23:30 CID Special Bureau Bollywood choreographed by the eminent Nakul Dev 21:40 Fresh [V] Deo Mein ZEE TRENDZ Plate ZEE NEWS Mahajan. 21:00 Kull The 21:50 Bollywood Busters 21:00 Scary Movie 3 21:30 Do Hanso Ka Joda 21:00 R A 21:00 F O T B 2 19:00 Style Q Conqueror on HBO on PIX 20:30 The Big Fat Indian on STAR MOVIES STAR PLUS on ZEE STUDIO 19:00 Desh Duniya 22:00 Zabardast Hits 22:00 Devi 20:30 Limelight

s HBO Wilson's War 23:00 Face Of Terror STAR GOLD STAR MOVIES UTV MOVIES ZEE CINEMA ZEE STUDIO V e

i 21:00 Kull The PIX SET MAX 20:00 1920 19:10 Firestorm 20:00 Teesri Ankh - The 20:00 Meri Jung 21:00 Father Of The T

v Conqueror 19:00 Cold Steel 20:00 Mashaal 23:30 Rubaru 21:00 Rogue Assassin Hidden Eye Bride 2 o n

o 23:00 Charlie 21:00 Scary Movie 3 23:05 Michael Clayton 23:30 Dastak 23:25 Robocop 1 M