SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Introduction :

Sexual harassment. That is a phrase we have seen more than once in recent weeks in the media. From publishing houses to sports training, women have complained. Some have settled outside court, others have turned to the media, and many more continue to be silent, preferring not to go public. But that sexual harassment in various degrees is an occupational hazard that women face at all times is now a given.

                                                                                          Sexual harassment and rape are two sides of the same coin. Both showcase the power of man to dominate that of women. Both have one victim- ‘women’. Both are barbaric in nature; but many people extenuate sexual harassment to rape, just because the victims are not physically harmed. Whereas in rape- the victim is ravished like an animal for the fulfillment of desire and lust of another man. Both have the same object- to undermine the integrity of the victim, physically as well as mentally.

Widespread violence :

it is a surprise to listen that Indian government itself is promoting prostitution in the lady troops deployed in border areas. In this context, on April 10 2007, CNN revealed that 28 years old Smriti and 26 years old Suhag were Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) constables on duty in strife-torn Kashmir, found involved in the profession of prostitution.

                   BBC indicated in July, 2007, the Indian army’s Capt Megha Razdan was found shot dead at her home in Jammu, in Indian-administered Kashmir. The officer had apparently taken her own life, leaving behind a suicide note. But her father, Arun Kumar Razdan, alleges foul play. He says his daughter was murdered by someone in the army…she was very happy and had spent just over two years in the army. She wanted to serve the country,” BBC further reported that in 2006 another woman officer, Lt Sushmita Chakravorty, shot herself dead. Her parents accused the army of harassment. BBC also pointed out that five cases of sexual harassment were filed by women officers against their male counterparts between 2002 and 2006. And i feel bad to say that India’s 1.1 million-strong army has only 1,000 women officers.

Sexual harassment against Andhra Pradesh MLA

The give girls from Kerala , who studied at MLA's nursing college in Nidadvole town of West Godavari district, along with their parents, met Home Minister P Sabita Indra Reddy and told her that they were subjected to sexual abuse and threats by the legislator. 

"As the case was already under investigations by the CID, they were sent to the police headquarters," said the home minister. The CID officials recorded the statements of the girls. 

Later, they also appeared before the AP State Human Rights Commission and narrated their problems. Alleging that they were repeatedly abused by the legislator and kept confined to MLA's room for three days, they demanded stringent action, "so that no other girl suffers like us in future". 

The girls alleged that after the sordid happenings at the college came to the light, the legislator threatened them with dire consequences and sent them back to Kerala with a warning that if they speak out they will be killed.

                                      Not only in army and politics, the harassment women face on the street, in the public , has taken on new forms. It is not just the touch; it is also the talk and the look. Walk down a street in practically any city in India, big or small. It is rare that you get through unscathed. If you are not pushed and prodded, you will definitely hear unwanted comments, you cannot avoid the look in the eyes of the public.Is this not the lived experience of millions of women, particularly younger women in india.