GoM on sexual harassment: Instead of new laws, focus on implementing existing ones

Against the backdrop of a string of sexual harassment allegations against prominent people in various fields, government has decided to set up a group of ministers (GoM) to look into the adequacy of sexual harassment laws and mechanisms like the Vishaka guidelines. To be headed by home minister Rajnath Singh, the GoM will give its report in three months on whether the scope of deterrent action should be expanded to include offences outside the workplace.

While it is welcome that government is finally responding to the sexual harassment allegations, it would do well not to adopt a knee-jerk approach. Existing laws and provisions like the Vishaka guidelines are already adequate to tackle sexual offences at workplaces. What’s needed is better implementation of these mechanisms. The root issue here is the continued existence of patriarchal spaces where men in positions of power abuse their authority to take advantage of female co-workers. Hence, an enabling environment needs to be created where such harassment is deterred and women’s complaints are taken seriously and acted upon expeditiously.

In this context, the naming of alleged offenders through social media has helped shake up workplaces. This should now be followed up with workplaces updating their internal sexual harassment redress mechanisms. Towards this direction, it would be welcome if political parties too put their own houses in order and set up robust sexual harassment redress mechanisms for their respective organisations. After all, politicians should match their words with actions in condemning sexual harassment cases.

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