Karnataka - Mangalore   

Committee demands protection of working women's rights

Special Correspondent

Seeks implementation of anti-sexual harassment Act

MANGALORE: Many women undergo stress and sexual harassment at the workplace. Though Parliament has passed a Bill to combat sexual harassment, it has not been implemented, according to Varalakshmi, State convener of the Working Women's Protection Committee of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions.

Addressing the Dakshina Kannada district convention of working women here on Thursday, Ms. Varalakshmi said that the State Government and the Centre should make all efforts to strictly implement the anti-sexual harassment law in workplaces.

If the true spirit of empowerment of women was to be realised, women should have security of employment, freedom from sexual harassment and oppression in places of work, she said.

Income level

The income levels of working women had been stagnant in the unorganised sector for decades and this was leading to a social imbalance.

Women working as beedi rollers, agricultural and construction workers got a paltry salary in comparison to men.

She said the Government should direct all employers to stop wage discrimination between men and women labourers.

According to Ms. Varalakshmi, 90 per cent of women were working in the unorganised sector with minimum job security. This was adversely affecting their social security.

State CITU president B. Madhava outlined the role of working women in fighting for their rights.

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