A study of harassment at workplace in SRMS-IMS

Introduction:Sexual harassment is a social evil that occurs in all workplaces. Majority of cases go unreported due to social stigma attached to it and a fight against this social evil is must to safeguard women's rights, equality and dignity.

Materials and Methods:The study was undertaken at workplace of SRMS-IMS, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh from January 2019 to March 2019. The study population consists of 320 female students. A structured questionnaire comprising 15 questions was prepared containing questions related to sexual harassment at workplace. The students were required to mark “yes” or “no” in front of the respective question. In this study word workplace has been used in a broader sense, where any place outside their home is being considered workplace. Only study is being conducted at S RM SIMS but participant has marked their responses based on their personal experiences from outside the S RM SIMS also.

Results:62% participants experienced sexually suggestive jokes or comments, 45% felt inappropriate staring or leering, 52% felt unwelcome touching, hugging etc., 24% felt inappropriate physical contact, 28% had experienced sexually explicit emails or SMS messages, 45% had experienced repeated/inappropriate invitations to go out, 34% felt sexual gestures, indecent sexual exposure, inappropriate display of body, 8% felt requests or pressure for sex/other sexual acts.

Conclusions:Sexual harassment at work place is a sensitive issue which needs to be kept in check by the authority organization by playing a proactive role to provide behavioral support and discuss this aspect of work routine. A fight against sexual harassment is important to give woman their basic right to equality and dignity and also in long term good overall economic and social growth of the country.