Rising Cases under PoSH Act Point to Better Reporting

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Increasing Participation of Women in STEM

More women in India are enrolling in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) courses, leading to higher representation in corporate roles, especially in the IT sector. Despite this progress, women face higher attrition rates due to multiple factors, including workplace harassment.

Harassment and Reporting

Workplace harassment, including verbal, sexual, or otherwise, plays a significant role in women leaving organizations. The introduction of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (PoSH Act) aims to combat this issue.

Data on PoSH Complaints

Recent data shows an increase in PoSH complaints among leading IT firms. For instance, TCS reported 110 cases in FY24, Infosys had 93 cases, Wipro registered 56 cases, and HCL had 50 cases. The rise in reported cases indicates better reporting mechanisms rather than an increase in incidents.

Factors Influencing Underreporting

Despite improvements, many cases remain unreported, especially among married women who avoid reporting to maintain family harmony. Only 42% of women in India believe they have equal or greater say in significant decisions, highlighting the persistent gender inequality.

Cultural and Social Barriers

Cultural norms, such as the belief that women should not work post-marriage, contribute to underreporting. Fear of repercussions, including blame and character assassination, further discourages reporting.

Need for Improved Frameworks

Strengthening reporting frameworks and addressing societal norms is crucial. Promoting gender parity and providing a supportive environment for women can help in reducing workplace harassment and improving reporting.

Conclusion

Improved reporting under the PoSH Act indicates progress, but there is a need for continuous efforts to ensure safety and equality for women in the workplace. Addressing cultural barriers and enhancing support systems can further advance gender parity in corporate environments.