On a day when many women across the country were observing a fast and praying for their husband's longevity (Karva Chauth on Saturday), some others were holding discussions on how to protect themselves from sexual harassment and gender inequality at workplaces.
About 100 women from several Karnataka-based banks had come together for a workshop on ‘Prevention of sexual harassment at the workplace', organised by Canara Bank.
The workshop saw participation from the Karnataka-based banks, including Canara Bank, Vijaya Bank, State Bank of Mysore and Syndicate Bank.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Charu Walikhanna, Member, National Commission for Women (NCW), said, “We are planning to write to the Finance Ministry for identifying sexual harassment as a major misconduct at the workplace, and ensuring punishment is given accordingly.”
Model code of conduct
NCW also plans to come out with a model code of conduct with regard to sexual harassment, “which will be similar to labour laws and also should be displayed prominently at workplaces,” she added.
Redressal mechanism
The NCW Draft Bill provides for an effective complaints and redressal mechanism, wherein, every employer is required to constitute an internal complaints committee. This committee should be headed by a woman, and not less than half of its members should be women.
In fact, Walikhanna pointed out that 25 per cent of the workforce in banks was women, and “they do not even constitute one per cent of the top management or negotiating table”.
She added that a recommendation to the Finance Ministry would be made to have a woman in the selection committee too.
“We would also recommend to the Ministry of Education that it incorporate awareness programmes on sexual abuse at the school level.
25 per cent of the workforce in banks was women, and “they do not even constitute one per cent of the top management or negotiating table”.