1. Gender Sensitization
Presentation by:

2. Session Overview
Since the problem of sexual harassment is worldwide and almost all nations are now ensuring more gender sensitization to independently address complaints by victims, it has been felt that we should discuss the matter in detail. In this session we will deal exclusively with the problem of sexual harassment rampant in working places for women.
RTI, Jammu

3. Session Overview
We will also discuss about the legal remedies available to such female workers who feel sexually harassed at their workplace.

4. Learning Objective
Gender sensitization being a rarity in government offices, the participants will be exposed to the various issues involving safety and security of women employees. At the end of this session they will be well conversant with the various problems faced by women employees and the legal and other remedies available to them.
RTI, Jammu

5. Basic Concepts
Sexual harassment at work place is part of a whole syndrome of discrimination against women in all societies.
Gender specific problem
Other types of sexual abuse like rape etc. will not be discussed in this session
Focus on routine forms of sexual harassment when women step out to earn a livelihood or take part in social, political and educational activities
RTI, Jammu

6. Basic Concepts( Contd)
It affects women from all classes, strata and communities.
General Patterns- difficult to resist
Use of sexual slander as a weapon to keep women in a perpetual state of fear.
RTI, Jammu

7. Aspects of Gender differentiation
Gender- a dynamic concept
Gender patterns change with socio-economic conditions
Working women have longer working days than men
Work done by women not valued properly (household work)
RTI, Jammu

8. Aspects of Gender differentiation
Women perform 2/3rd of the world’s work
Women earn only 1/10th of the world’s income
Women own less than 1/100th of the world’s property
Access to resources and benefits , and control over them is allocated according to Gender in many societies.
RTI, Jammu

9. Aspects of Gender differentiation
Denial of human rights
Half of world’s population subordinate to other half
Understanding of gender differentiation important from other angles also
RTI, Jammu

10. What is sexual harassment
Sexual harassment occurs when a woman despite having clearly indicated her disinterest, is pressured into tolerating or accepting undesirable sexual advances by someone who is in a position of power over her and is able to harm her interests if she declines to tolerate these advances.
RTI, Jammu

11. What is sexual harassment?
Sexual bribe- responsibility of Boss to see that women have not to debase themselves simply to get their due
If a boss or a colleague repeatedly makes sexual propositions to a woman employee day after day, with or without any physical overtures, despite her repeatedly indicating that she finds his advances offensive, he can be rightly accused of sexual harassment.
RTI, Jammu

12. What is sexual harassment?
Although such extreme conditions are not prevalent in government offices, cases of sexual harassment have been reported time and again. Job security , conduct rules and other measures taken by the government have gone a long way in curbing sexual harassment in workplaces meant for government employees
RTI, Jammu

13. Steps taken to curb sexual harassment
Conduct unbecoming of a government servant
New provisions in conduct rules
Case of Vishakha v/s State of Jaipur
Supreme court guidelines issued in 1997-the basis of new provisions in CCS (Conduct) Rules.

14. Provisions in CCS (Conduct Rules)
Sexual harassment defined to include such unwelcome sexually determined behaviour (whether directly or by implication) as:
physical contact and advances;
a demand or request for sexual favours;
RTI, Jammu

15. Provisions in CCS (Conduct Rules)
sexually coloured remarks;
showing pornography;
any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature.
RTI, Jammu

16. Guidelines issued by Apex Court
It shall be the duty of the employer or other responsible persons in work places or other institutions to prevent or deter the commission of acts of sexual harassment and to provide the procedures for the resolution, settlement or prosecution of acts of sexual harassment by taking all steps required
RTI, Jammu

17. Guidelines issued by Apex Court
Preventive steps- Express prohibition of sexual harassment.
Criminal proceedings
Disciplinary action
Complaint Mechanism
Workers initiative
Awareness
Third party harassment

18. Gender sensitization
Discuss important issue of humiliation suffered by women employees who dared to report cases of harassment.