Recent data reveals a 79% increase in workplace sexual harassment complaints in India from the fiscal year 2020 (FY20) to the fiscal year 2024 (FY24). This surge indicates employees’ growing awareness and willingness to report such incidents, reflecting broader societal changes regarding gender equality and workplace safety.
Statistical Overview
In FY20, India Inc. recorded 281 complaints of workplace sexual harassment. By FY24, this number had nearly doubled to 503 complaints. Companies like ICICI Bank and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) led the statistics with 133 and 110 complaints, respectively.
The overall trend indicates that as more women enter the workforce, the reporting of harassment cases has become more prevalent, highlighting both the issue’s existence and the effectiveness of legal frameworks like the Prevention of workplace sexual harassment (PoSH) Act.
Factors Contributing to Increased Reporting
The increase in workplace sexual harassment in reported complaints can be attributed to several factors:
• Awareness and Training: Enhanced employee awareness about their rights under the PoSH Act has encouraged more individuals to come forward. Companies are increasingly promoting a culture that supports reporting incidents without fear of retaliation.
• Transparency Requirements: The PoSH Act mandates companies to disclose the number of complaints filed and resolved annually. This transparency fosters an environment where employees feel safer reporting incidents.
• Cultural Shifts: There is a growing societal recognition of sexual harassment as a serious issue that warrants attention and action. This shift is particularly evident in sectors with younger workforces, such as technology and banking.
Challenges in Addressing Complaints
Despite the rise in reported cases, significant challenges remain:
• Fear of Retaliation: Many employees still hesitate to report incidents due to concerns about backlash or stigma associated with coming forward. A survey indicated that 80% of respondents viewed PoSH training as merely a compliance formality, which undermines its effectiveness
• Implementation Gaps: While the PoSH Act requires companies to establish Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) to handle complaints, many organizations have not fully implemented these structures or provided adequate training on their functions. Reports indicate that 59% of companies have not set up ICCs as mandated
• Pending Cases: The number of unresolved complaints has also risen significantly, indicating potential inadequacies in how these cases are managed within organizations. For instance, ICICI Bank had 59 substantiated cases out of 133 reported in FY24, suggesting that while reporting has increased, resolution processes may lag behind
Conclusion
The substantial rise in workplace sexual harassment complaints in India underscores a critical need for continued efforts towards creating safe working environments. While increased reporting is a positive sign of changing attitudes and greater awareness, it also highlights the urgent necessity for organizations to strengthen their mechanisms for handling such complaints effectively. Companies must invest in training, establish robust ICCs, and cultivate a culture where employees feel empowered to report incidents without fear. Addressing these challenges is essential for fostering a truly inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive.
