What explains the rise in molestation cases in colleges?
It would be incorrect to assume that women are subjected to inappropriate behaviour only in centres of learning.
This happens across all corporate sectors, NGOs, government departments. Unfortunately, a lot of times the victim chooses to ignore for fear of infamy and the slanderous attacks that follow a formal complaint. A working woman especially is talked out of reporting such an incident, being reasoned with 'badnaami' and losing future job prospects. Still, females are speaking up and taking a stand against harassment because they know that they no longer need to suffer in silence and there are laws in place to protect them. Most men cannot deal with the confidence women have these days.
Are sexual harassment committees formed in colleges, universities and workplaces effective?
Almost all organisations are mandated to have these task forces and they adhere by the rule. But in reality, a lot of them are nothing but a farce. They are supposed to have an external member from an NGO or a similar division but they hardly instill any confidence in the victim.
Does it mean these panels are worthless?
If these committees have not worked, it is our fault. We have to ensure that they serve the purpose for which they have been constituted. Women also need to create a network of solidarity to combat this. It is not a fight between genders, but of mindsets.
