This article was first published in the print edition of Manushi Journal. (Issue-68, Jan-Feb 1992)
The problem of sexual harassment is part of a whole syndrome of discrimination and exploitation women
are subjected to in most societies. It is important not just because this form of oppression is more gender specific than most others but also because women become even more vulnerable as they protest about it. The veil of silence cast over this particular form of exploitation makes it much harder to fight against or seek redressal.
The problem of sexual harassment affects women of all classes, strata and communities. Very few women, even among the supposedly privileged sections of society, are likely to have altogether escaped various forms of sexual harassment, especially if they do not stay within the extremely narrow and debilitating boundaries and norms set by their community and family…