The Bill to protect women against sexual harassment at workplace is welcome. It reaffirms the guidelines issued by the Supreme Court in the Vishakha case, recognising harassment as a form of discrimination against women and violation of the right to equality. With more and more women joining the workforce in both the organised and the unorganised sector, it is important to enable a safe working environment for them. The provision to punish women who fail to provide evidence of harassment needs a relook. So far, the Vishakha guidelines have remained only on paper in most offices. It is hoped they will find expression in a strong law.
A. S. Farida,
Chennai
The discussion of various aspects of the bill and the case for deleting Clause 14 and 16 are well placed. Since the feudal foundations of our society are still intact, the super structure of modern civilisation has not helped women progress. In fact, gender discrimination has become more pronounced in neo-liberal conditions.
S.V. Venugopalan,
Chennai
