Conversations about sexual harassment at workplace are difficult to hold among women in India because of the stigma, shame and cultural silence that shrouds the issue. Among women domestic workers, who live in precarious economic and social conditions, with little bargaining power with their employers, the issue is even more silenced.
A session was organized with 25 women domestic workers in Panipat, Haryana. The session envisioned to sensitize women domestic workers on the issue of sexual harassment at workplace and encourage them to open up about their experiences through an art-based group activity.
The session began with input on the issue of sexual harassment at workplace and women domestic workers’ safety in their world of work. Before explaining various forms and types of sexual harassment, women domestic workers were asked what constitutes of their ‘workplace’. This started a conversation on the forms of sexual harassment women have seen or experienced over the years. The participants who did not share their personal experiences, expressed fear of losing their jobs and facing backlash from their families and communities.
To give a context of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act, 2013, participants were told about Bhavri Devi’s fight for justice and the Vishakha Guidelines. While explaining the Law and its Redressal Mechanisms, women domestic workers were able to identify the vulnerabilities they face because of the nature of their work and workplace.
To clear their understanding on types and forms of sexual harassment, women were divided into 4 groups and were given chart papers and markers. They were asked to write or draw on what forms of sexual harassment at workplace they see around them. They were also asked to think and write about who is going to take responsibility for their safety in the workplace.
The groups were then asked to present their charts. Women wrote instances and examples of sexual harassment at the workplace:-
GROUP 1 - “Kaam ki jagah pe gaali galoch karna” (Using foul language at the workplace)
GROUP 2 - “Raaste mei bolna ki bohot achi lag rhi hai” (Calling women beautiful on their way to work)
GROUP 3 - “Kisi bhi ang ko galat tareeke se choona” (Touching any body part with wrong intentions)
GROUP 4 - “Karyasthal pe gandi awaz nikalne, kutte ko pyaar se bulane ke bahane se” (Making bad sounds while calling pet dog)
A key point of discussion was that most of the women domestic workers are not aware of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Act of 2013 that protects them from sexual harassment at workplace. Women spoke about their feelings of mistrust and fear of authorities, which further seal their silence on experiences of sexual harassment at workplace. While discussing who is responsible for their safety, women were keen on taking things into their own hands in case of any incidents in the workplace.
Women also suggested that the local authorities must take responsibility of the safety of the women and awareness must generated about the Law.