Few workplaces in Guwahati have the mechanism, like counselors, to check sexual harassment leading to underreported cases
Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious issue that affects many people, yet it often goes unreported. It involves unwanted and inappropriate behaviour of a sexual nature that can make the victim feel uncomfortable, unsafe, and disrespected. This kind of behaviour can range from suggestive comments and unwanted touching to more overt acts of intimidation or coercion.
Such incidents not only disrupt the professional environment but also cause deep emotional and psychological distress to the victims. It creates a hostile work atmosphere where employees feel unsafe and anxious, rather than focused and productive. The unprofessional conduct of those who engage in harassment can tarnish the reputation of an organisation, leading to a loss of trust among employees and clients alike.
In many cases, the fear of retaliation, stigma, or lack of support prevents victims from speaking out, allowing the harassment to continue unchecked. This silence can lead to a toxic workplace culture where such behaviour is normalised, further endangering the well-being of employees.
In Guwahati, a growing number of sexual harassment cases are being reported from various workplaces. However, the absence of strict regulations and the lack of counselors in many organisations have raised concerns about how effectively such issues are being addressed. These gaps in the system could be contributing to the underreporting of incidents, leaving many victims without support or justice.
On June 26, 2024, a young woman working as a lab technician in Rajgarh reported a case of sexual harassment. She accused her employer, the owner of the laboratory, of repeatedly making inappropriate advances towards her. According to her statement, the harassment had been ongoing for weeks.
“For the past few weeks, my boss has been harassing me at work," the woman said, describing her ordeal. "The lab owner would call me into his office and touch me inappropriately. On June 26th, he asked me to come in under the excuse of sharing some apples."
"Once I was inside, he pulled me onto his lap and hugged me tightly. I felt extremely uncomfortable," she continued. "He then put ₹1000 in my pocket and promised me an advance of ₹6000 if I allowed him to continue touching me."
The woman said she told her colleagues and called her father for help. "The owner tried to settle the matter right there and threatened to ruin my career if I went to the police," she added.
Despite the intimidation, she filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the lab owner at the Panbazar Women’s Police Station, bringing the case into the public eye. This incident highlights a larger issue in Guwahati’s workplaces—the lack of mechanisms to support victims of harassment and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.
In yet another incident, a senior manager at a management firm shares her experience from her first job. Talking to GPlu she said, “I was sexually assaulted at my first job. An older male employee forced himself on me after the office diwali party, but I managed to get away safely, leaving the party midway. I was too afraid to lodge a complaint, as I was just 21. I thought it was going to ruin my reputation and that my parents would stop me from coming to work.”In another incident, a young woman working at a tech firm in Guwahati also faced sexual harassment from a senior manager. She shared her ordeal with GPlus, saying that the manager made repeated inappropriate advances towards her, despite her clear objections.
"I reported it to HR, but nothing was done to stop it. Frustrated by the lack of response, I had to change my job," she revealed. Her story is not unique; many women in Guwahati are facing similar challenges, often feeling that their only option is to leave their jobs rather than fight a system that seems stacked against them.
In yet another case, a waitress at a popular restaurant in the city came forward with allegations of harassment by a male colleague. Having worked at the restaurant for nearly a year, she said the harassment started with inappropriate comments and escalated to physical advances.
Talking to GPlus, she said, "I tried to raise my concerns with the management, but they brushed it off." Her experience points to a worrying trend where managements in many organisations either downplay or ignore such complaints, leaving victims to fend for themselves.
Sexual harassment can happen at any kind of workplace. "I worked as a librarian, and I've been threatened with stalking for not giving my phone number. I've also been shown naked and inappropriate photos by countless men, some of which were married with children. At that time I was in dire need of money and the job was all I had. But it’s a harrowing experience and I still remember how helpless I felt back then”, said a woman who now works as a cashier at a departmental store, talking to GPlus.
These incidents are troubling, particularly given that India has had laws in place to address workplace sexual harassment for over a decade. The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, commonly known as the POSH Act, was supposed to create a safer working environment for women. The Act mandates that every organisation must have an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to address grievances related to sexual harassment. This committee is supposed to be empowered to investigate complaints, recommend penalties, and ensure that victims receive the support they need.
However, the reality on the ground in Guwahati appears to be far from the ideals set out in the law. Many workplaces either lack such committees or have committees that are poorly trained or biased. Furthermore, the absence of counselors and mental health professionals in these workplaces means that victims often have no one to turn to for psychological support.
Fear of retaliation, social stigma, and the absence of mental health support further contribute to the silence surrounding workplace harassment. Without proper counseling and legal support, many victims feel isolated and powerless, unsure of how to navigate their situation.
However, talking to GPlus, Kankan Sarmah, a well-known psychologist in Guwahati, emphasised the need for better systems to support victims. Talking to GPlus, he said, "In workplaces, there should be a grievance cell or a sexual harassment committee where there is a legal advisor and someone who is from outside the organisation and unbiased. This is crucial to ensure that victims feel safe to report incidents and that their complaints are taken seriously."