“Women paying the price for being submissive”
Mallu Lakshmi is the general secretary of the All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA). Associated with CPI (M), she is a relentless worker focused on social justice, women's safety, and water rights. In an interaction withThe Hans India, Lakshmi shares her views on the POSH Act-2013, its implementation, and safety of women at the workplace, post the TCS Nashik episode.
After much struggle by women and civil society organisations, the Supreme Court put in place Visakha Guidelines, which together with the POSH Act 2013 is intended to prevent workplace harassment of women. However, there is widespread criticism that the Act is not being implemented to the required levels killing their very purpose. What's your take on it?
There is a need to create awareness about the Act and women's rights. About six to seven years back, we conducted a survey within the State Road Transport Corporation on whether more women were being employed. Our findings were that men resorted to slurs. When any woman protested, they were put on night duty. In many workplaces, when women file a complaint, it could lead to a police case, and courts. This is what prevents them from voicing their concerns. Now there are some women who are challenging misogyny.
What is the main reason for prevalence of such a culture?
The main problem lies in a lack of awareness and understanding of society. Those who are aware of society won't take it lying down. But, of late, women are fighting against workplace harassment.
What do you think is the reason for not asserting their rights when there is empowered legislation like the POSH Act-2013?
No matter how educated women are, they remain submissive. This is especially with those working in the construction industry and related fields. They are oblivious to the POSH Act.
There is an allegation against the women's organisations with left leanings that they remain silent when it comes to issues of harassment of women who are Hindus, Jains and the likes but fight when it comes to other religions. Why do they have such double standards?
Perhaps, there are some organisations of the sort you mention. However, when it comes to women's organisations aligned to leftist ideas, they do not discriminate against women based on religion or community. We fight for the safety and rights of women, irrespective of their background.
Let us talk about workplace harassment in government offices and PSUs. There are several leaders from left parties serving as workmen directors. What are they doing regarding the implementation of POSH Act 2013?
When a woman with a genuine grievance comes forward to complain, then such issues are taken up and resolved. In the case of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), steps were taken to resolve such complaints, and there are also Internal Complaints Committees (ICLs) to handle them.
There is also another issue that we need to look into. Sometimes issues are blown out of proportion. If a woman talks to a man, it is misunderstood and misrepresented, casting aspersions.
So, you mean we are in a tricky situation. On the one hand, women are not coming forward to complain. On the other hand, there are chances that incidents are blown out of proportion and dubbed as workplace harassment. Is that what you mean?
There remains a tendency among women to remain submissive. We need to raise awareness, and women must stand up for themselves and fight back.
Under the POSH Act-2013, the penalty for the employer violating the POSH Act is Rs 50,000. What is your take on this?
That seems unjustified. Since the crime is the same, the law should impose the same penalties, irrespective of the nature of business. However, this is a thorny issue that needs a serious review. The legislation should ensure prevention of harassment of women at the workplace.
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