Sexual Harassment in the work place is not a new phenomenon. It is prevalent in all cultures and all workplaces where men and women work together. However, the way women are sexually harassed – the modus operandi – has evolved with technology. And women need to keep a tight vigil over what could be professionally and emotionally upsetting in the long run.

No matter how much employers and company policies promise to be Equal Opportunity providers, what happens in the grassroots level in office corridors or in the cafe can not be controlled. Research suggests that technology has taken sexual harassments to electronic forms – e-mails, Instant messages and Text messages are increasingly being used as media to harass women.

While electronic chatter always leaves a track behind to trace, messages are becoming subtler these days that may be open to ambiguous interpretations – an innocent message from a colleague is open to be construed as deliberate harassment by a female co-worker as electronic messages are devoid of tones and vibes that form an important part of non-verbal communication.

Studies show that Sexual Harassments are more about power plays than about insinuations with sexual intent. The traditional mentality of a man’s world still refuses to acknowledge woman on top, which spontaneously leads to comments and suggestive remarks that may be sexual in nature. The idea is not as much about inviting as it is about intimidating women who rise to power. Creating an uncomfortable working environment and a culture of constant threat takes forms of behavior that fit into the conventional concepts of sexual harassments.

It is important for women to recognise behaviour that is harassment. Since Glass Ceilings do not go away with a simple wish, women need to be aware and be in sync with the happenings in the organisation and stay networked with people who matter. While women need to take deliberate steps to define their relationships with their colleagues, any suggestive remarks that may make it difficult for the woman to work or may make her feel uncomfortable would have to be swiftly handled with firmness. The message that such behaviour is unacceptable would have to be sent right on the spot at the very instance, in no ambiguous terms; any dilly-dallying or initial compromise would only lead to complication and aggravation of the situation.

Women need to be aware that sexual harassment is here to stay and they should expect such behaviour in the workplace, rather than being taken aback by unexpected flirtations. And they need to be mentally prepared to handle the situation themselves rather than seek organisational support and backing, unless the situation gets out of hand.

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