Solidarity with Survivors of Sexual Harassment at Workplace

13 Oct 2018

AIDWA expresses its deep outrage over the sexual abuse and trauma that a number of women in the field of media have suffered. Some of them have broken their silence recently and come out with shocking complaints of sexual harassment and assault against leading media personalities. It salutes the brave women who have come forth to challenge the prevailing patriarchal norms which indict the victim rather than the perpetrator in such cases. AIDWA condemns the attempts at character assassination and abusive trolling on the social media that seek to discredit the complainants, and browbeat them into continued silence. These anguished cries for justice have to be responded to by the legal system as well as by the society at large, to ensure that sexual predators who have largely been enjoying impunity in the prevalent male dominant power structure, are made accountable for their actions. AIDWA strongly stands in support of all the women who have bravely brought out the horrendous details of the exploitation that they have suffered through the #MeToo campaign.
AIDWA is deeply concerned at the deafening silence of the Modi government which exposes its indifference towards the trauma and insecurities these working women have had to undergo.It is condemnable that the Ministry of External Affairs has so far declined to comment on the matter despite so many complaints against its minister.There is no move to rein in, or criticize, the BJP leader who has publicly denounced women coming out with their traumatic experiences as profiteers aiming to make money through these accusations. Such indifference to the plight of women who are subjected to sexual harassment is a telling indictment of the Modi government, and its attitude to women’s rights. AIDWA demands the immediate resignation of the Minister of State for External Affairs, M J Akbar. We also demand that Parliamentarian Udit Raj should immediately tender his resignation.
The government must institute an urgent inquiry into these complaints so that the perpetrator of these crimes against can be brought to justice. Any further delay in taking action will only show its tacit support and protection to the people accused of violence against women.
AIDWA demands that the Modi government take immediate action to ensure that the law on sexual harassment at the work place, which became legislation in 2013 after a long struggle by women’s organizations and concerned citizens, is effectively implemented. FIRs must be filed immediately against all those men accused of sexual harassment and time bound investigation and appropriate punishment should follow. No person should be allowed to escape the consequences of his crimes by virtue of his position or authority. The setting up of anti-sexual harassment committees (Internal Complaints Committee) at the work place as mandated by law is still pending at different levels. This must be done urgently. Above all, a campaign to address the patriarchal notions underlying such acts of sexual violence and harassment must be launched, so that women are ensured a safe work atmosphere, and their constitutional right to equal status are safeguarded in our democratic nation.

#metoo

More Stories