Chennai: Equality in remuneration at work places, share in the property in case you are going for a divorce and what does sexual harassment amount to?
These are some issues in which women do not really know their entitlements and rights.
On International Women’s Day, News Today spoke to Madras High Court advocate Siddhi Shaji, a resident of Iyyappanthangal, who shared some common  injustices against women, and set the record right.
“Inequality in pay scale is a burning issue in the unorganised labour sector. In most cases, women being the sole bread winner, have a hard time while facing pay disparity. They do not know about many legislation and the Minimum Wage Act which they have in their favour. In fact, if they come to the Legal Aid Campus in the High Court, the court appoints an advocate for them to get justice,” she said.
A visit to any family court will show the picture of dazed women appearing for divorce proceedings. The social stigma attached to getting a divorce puts a lot of pressure on the women.
“In some cases, the women’s family members will not be supportive of their decision. Families are not always broadminded to take the woman back into the family. They feel more distressed when they see the man not turning up for counselling sessions and for hearings. Getting the alimony can extend up to six to seven months,” Siddhi said.
Speaking about women’s rights, the advocate said, “They do not know about the residence order, share in property. They cannot be thrown out of the house. They can even access post-divorce counselling sessions. This helps them identify their talent to begin life afresh and some advocates even refer jobs opportunities for them.”
Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, prevents women from being victimised, but many workplaces do not follow this.
Women still do not feel comfortable reporting about such incidents due to various factors. They fear jeopardising their career, if further prospective employers would decline giving an offer and for the family’s sake. She could be branded as frivolous, said the advocate.
“Every the workplace is supposed to set up a committee with one external member. They have to put up posters, banners sending the message that they do not tolerate sexual harassment. During the enquiry process when a complaint is lodged, the organisation must see that the victim is not terminated and can continue working,” Siddhi said.
Thanks : Newstoday