An Aggrieved Woman?

The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition And Redressal) Act, 2013 has mandated that it is illegal to sexually harass women, working or otherwise, at the workplace. However, it certainly is strange that the law did not feel the need to include men, and, also did not clearly demarcate the boundaries of liability for the employer.

- Dr. Nina Jacob

With a certain measure of trepidation, Mala entered the cubicle that she was going to share with Aasman, a manager who was senior to her by 3 years. Mahindra, the HR manager, who had accompanied her, made the introductions. Mahindra was unaware that Mala and Aasman had met a year ago, and it was during her wedding. She could remember Aasman because he had not said a word to her at that time. Now, as she reached out to shake hands with Aasman, she realised that he had completely failed to recognize her. Aasman, however, was thinking, "How unfair of Mahindra to make me share my cubicle with a newcomer. Until now, I had this cubicle all to myself." Aasman also realized that their company XYZ was expanding at an exponential rate. So, it was no longer possible for all employees to have cubicles for themselves. He was a rising star, and, did not wish to make an issue of having to share the cubicle. He instead decided to take on the role of mentoring Mala, something that was largely encouraged at XYZ.