Sexual Harassment at Workplace

by Padmaja Iyengar-Paddy

Most Indian employers are quite blasé
About sexual harassment at workplace.
They often function from an ivory tower
And exercise much authority and power.

Despite stringent legal provisions in place
Employers have their own means and ways
To use moral and professional intimidation
That causes the victim much trepidation.

The victim often becomes the accused;
About her own rights, she is confused,
Thanks to the threat of a dim future,
She would rather ignore the overture.

It is a well known reality and fact
That such cases do hugely impact
The victim’s professional prospect.
And result in loss of self respect.

Do female workers on various construction sites
Have any awareness about their workplace rights?
The daily wage hirers and owners wield such power
That the hapless women labourers before them cower.

They have no choice but to simply tolerate
And to their superiors’ whims accommodate,
As they are often the lone earners of wage,
Their responsibilities keep them in bondage.

The middle class working woman is too busy
Balancing work and home life for her, not easy.
Holding on to a job for her is very crucial,
To meet various commitments financial.

In India, it is not easy to lodge a complaint
With corruption and ignorance so rampant.
The fear of being branded as “litigant”,
Is for the woman employee, a major deterrent.

Getting justice would be a struggle long drawn.
And involves taking on some professional brawn.
Are the systems in Indian workplaces amply proactive?
Are they towards the women’s issues really sensitive?

So, who actually complains of sexual harassment?
It’s usually a cunning woman eyeing a settlement.
Or it could be a female rebel without a cause,
Who only wants to settle scores with her boss.

22-May-2013

More By : Padmaja Iyengar-Paddy

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Comments on this Poem

Thanks Rupradha and thanks Hema for your insightful feedback.

Padmaja Iyengar
23-May-2013 08:04 AM

When will such atrocities cease?
I just read that a variety of mango is to be named "Nirbhaya" after the Delhi gang rape victim. Is that all?
Thanks for highlighting this questionable act, which is often pushed under the carpet for fear of shame.

Hema Ravi
23-May-2013 06:41 AM

very well-written dark side of the world..

Rupradha
23-May-2013 06:33 AM

Your observations are completely right, Dr. mallick.

Padmaja Iyengar
23-May-2013 05:35 AM

When culprits have unity among themselves, who can shake their pillars; the men in power want to get elected again and again and prefer to close their 'dirty' eyes. Why at construction sites where the poor are victimised, even in star hotels, IPL matches the so-called 'elites' get twhat is not expected.
I agree with you, Padmaja. When girl was pushed off a train in Bihar and the CM's attention was drawn, his reaction was, 'Ye toh hot rahata hai'. The same politician is now enjoying power in Delhi!!

Kumarendra Mallick
23-May-2013 01:03 AM

Yes Kulbir, agree with you. It is not enough to have laws in place. unless their sincere implementation (without misuse) is ensured.

Padmaja Iyengar
23-May-2013 00:43 AM

Good commentary on an evil which needs exposure & awakening to stamp it out.

Kulbir
22-May-2013 19:59 PM