Disclaimer: We all talk about gender equality, and often, feminism is considered a propaganda by women to target men. But having said that, one cannot simply ignore the challenges faced by women on a day-to-day basis. In an age when Indian women are achieving the unthinkable, sadly, they are still considered eye-candies and mannequins at workplaces. Workplace discrimination and harassment is very common amongst both the sexes, however, women need to work harder to prove themselves.
While some women are reaching new heights at their workplaces, there are others who continue to be victims of gender discrimination at work. Many cases amount to sexual harassment. A shocking 17% of working women in major metro cities have complained of sexual harassment by their bosses. But sexual harassment is not the only evil. While the other challenges may pale in comparison to harassment, they are equally traumatic in a working woman’s life. Here are 10 preconceived notions that pose as major challenges for working women:
1. If she dresses up nicely, she is such a show-off.
2. If she rises up the ladder swiftly, she must have slept with the boss!
3. If she puts across her point of view firmly, she must be PMSing.
4. If she is forthcoming and ambitious, she is such a bitch.
5. If she drinks and smokes, she must be easy. If not, she’s definitely a bore.
6. If she stays calm, she is a meek character. If she decides to speak up, she is too aggressive and dominating.
7. If she takes charge and knows how to get work done, she is bossy.
8. If she speaks her mind, she is pushy.
10. If she pitches a good idea, there is no way she came up with it on her own.
Because if she’s pretty, she’s got to be dumb, right?
We spend more than half the day at work and no one wants to spend those many hours being treated like this. Although, more and more women have started speaking up, the others need to stop passing off such things as trivial matters.
To fight workplace harassment, the Government of India passed the Sexual Harasament Of Women at Workplace Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal Act in December 2013. If you are a victim, stand up, speak out and take action.
I hope that the pride that we take in gender equality is maintained and respected.