Indian scientist's sacking spotlights sexual harassment

Abstract

Many workplaces, including scientific institutions, have mechanisms for investigating allegations of sexual assault or harassment, such as internal complaints committees. But Siddharthan says that in practice, some of these committees have not been very proactive. The Bar Association’s report included an in-depth survey of 45 people who had been sexually harassed; only one-third felt that complaints committees had dealt with their cases fairly. “One can hope that this [Rao] case will change things, and ICCs are encouraged to deal with such cases fairly and fearlessly,” says Siddharthan. Biologist Vidita Vaidya at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Mumbai says another problem that makes some women reluctant to report workplace harassment is the expectation that they will have to endure a difficult and intrusive inquiry. “There is a real fear for many that rather than their work and scientific merit defining their trajectory and career, this complaint will become a focal point for all discussions regarding them,” says Vaidya, who is a former member of the TIFR women’s cell, a support group for the institution’s female scientists. Vaidya says that some women prefer to keep their harassment quiet because they feel they can cope by removing themselves from the situation. “Cases where complaints have been made are simply the tip of the iceberg,” she says. Institutional leadership Vaidya worries that some women might be walking away from science to avoid workplace harassment. More people might be inclined to report sexual harassment if research institutions explained what happens when a complaint is made, she says. “Clearly indicating that their confidentiality will be protected will go a long way [to improve] their faith in the system,” she says. Other scientists sense that change is already on its way. Bal says that more women in academia might be encouraged to come forward with complaints and expect justice as a result of the publicity generated by high-profile cases, such as the many women in the entertainment and news industries who say they have been assaulted or harassed. “When institutions send a clear message that complaints will be heard and acted upon, this should give courage to people who face harassment to approach the [women’s] cell and speak out,” says biologist Sandhya Koushika, chair of the TIFR women’s cell.