Rajasthan's Cultural Heritage Shapes Workplace Gender Dynamics
Supreme Court advocate Seema Joshi, who is actively working to implement laws against sexual harassment of women at workplaces across all Bar councils and Bar associations, highlighted on Monday that Rajasthan's deep-rooted cultural heritage significantly influences workplace behavior and attitudes toward gender. Speaking in Ajmer, Joshi emphasized that the state's tradition, hierarchy, and community values play a crucial role in shaping how women experience and report workplace harassment.
The PoSH Act: Bridging Tradition and Modern Rights
Joshi explained that the PoSH Act (Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act 2013) aims to create harmony between traditional values and modern rights while ensuring workplace dignity for women. She was in Ajmer to participate in an awareness program focused on promoting the PoSH Act. During her conversation with TOI, Joshi recalled that the landmark Vishakha guidelines established by the Supreme Court on August 12, 1997 emerged from the Vishaka versus State of Rajasthan case, demonstrating Rajasthan's historical significance in addressing sexual harassment concerns.
Cultural Barriers to Reporting Harassment
Joshi identified several cultural factors that create challenges for women in Rajasthan when it comes to reporting sexual harassment. Traditional gender roles and concerns about family reputation often discourage women from coming forward with complaints. The respect for authority embedded in the culture makes it particularly difficult for women to speak up against senior colleagues. Additionally, with a substantial informal workforce operating in the state, awareness about the PoSH Act and formal complaint mechanisms remains limited.
Culturally sensitive training programs delivered in local languages, combined with strict confidentiality measures and supportive environments, are essential for strengthening PoSH implementation in Rajasthan, Joshi stressed. These approaches can help balance tradition with modern workplace rights and dignity.
Legal Battle for Women Advocates' Protection
Joshi also addressed an ongoing legal challenge concerning the application of PoSH Act to women advocates. A special leave petition (SLP) filed by the Supreme Court Women Lawyers' Association contests a Bombay High Court decision that excluded complaints of sexual harassment made by advocates against other advocates before the Bar council from PoSH Act coverage.
She firmly stated that women advocates cannot be excluded as an entire class from the statutory protection and redressal mechanisms provided by the PoSH Act. Joshi referenced the Supreme Court's direction in the Medha Kotwal Lele versus Union of India case in 2013, which explicitly treated courts, Bar councils, and Bar associations as workplaces under the meaning of this significant legislation.
