Even men aren’t safe from sexual harassment at workplace: Survey

 

Even men aren’t safe from sexual harassment at workplace: Survey

22 Aug, 2010, 12.25AM IST,ET Bureau

Bangalore is not just the Silicon Valley of India, it is also India’s shining star on the global business map, thanks to its infotech prowess. But did we know that behind the curtains, it is also a champion when it comes to sexual harassment cases at the workplace?

But so says an ET-Synovate survey conducted in seven cities to find out how India Inc was dealing with an issue, that has recently seen heads rolling at two top global firms in a span of a month. What’s surprising is that in the same city, half of who agreed that they have been sexually harassed at their workplace said they have been harassed by their female colleagues.

Only 32% said they were harassed by male colleagues at their workplaces. Again in the south, in Hyderabad, 29% of said they have been sexually harassed by their female bosses while 48% accused their male bosses.

The scene is different up north. In Delhi, the numbers are even, with 43% pointing a finger at their female colleagues and an equal number accusing their male colleagues of sexual harassment.

 

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/features/the-sunday-et/special-report/Even-men-arent-safe-from-sexual-harassment-at-workplace-Survey/articleshow/6389438.cms

Under pressure, couples forced apart

Under pressure, couples forced apart

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Under-pressure-couples-forced-apart/Article1-566218.aspx

The Delhi High Court decision favouring gay relationships had brought great joy to two couples, prompting them to solemnise their marriages. A year later, however, societal pressure caught up with them. Not only have the couples been forced to separate, their friends are even unaware of their whereabouts.

The stories of Sachin-Aniket (name changed to Sanjana) and Harnam-Deepak (name changed to Sapna) are similar. On July 8, the couples exchanged nuptial ties in a temple. In a press conference, Harnam and Sapna had said they were in a relationship for five years, while Sachin and Sanjana said they were in love for a year. Sapna’s brother had even participated in the marriage rituals.

HT traced a friend of Sachin’s, who revealed that once they announced their relationship in the open, people in Manimajra where they were staying, spoke up against them. Sachin’s family members in Bihar were informed, who came and took him away. Sanjana, also a migrant, left the city with her parents. Harnam’s family members beat him up and forced him to leave Sapna.

Ramesh (name changed), a gay rights supporter, was in touch for the couples for a while, but soon they became untraceable.

Rajiv Kumar, Assistant Director, Targeted Intervention, Haryana Aids Control Society said some parents, who even oppose a heterosexual affair, have trouble accepting homosexual affairs. Those in a gay relationship not only needed to be tracked regularly, but also need regular counseling, he said.