From Crossed Arms to Collective Responsibility
As humans, we are beasts of our socio-cultural exposure, social contexts and conditioning reinforced into our psyche by everyday conversations and behaviour. Our shared meanings and understanding of these meanings and beliefs often become obvious during people interactions, triggering moments of reflective acceptance with possibly a resolve to initiate actionable change.
Employee skill-based training, as we know, has a direct impact on productivity. But what are the dynamics that play out when training focusses on socially sensitive, yet relevant issues as part of mandatory compliances, like PoSH awareness training programs?
Content: Understanding the PoSH Act, 2013 to create safe work places for women.
Target Audience: Blue-Collared employees – men and women.
Location: Two different regions of India
Men far out-number women. In one centre with a ratio of 90:10. And in another, only men. Together about 1000+ employees
Age-group: Average between 27 years and 57 years.
The training halls are packed with workers in their uniforms. Some of them just done with their shift, while the other group ready for the shop floor. Almost identical scenarios in both the locations. Their jobs define their homogeneity.
I notice and absorb the crossed arms. Curious. Confused. Diffident.
With mostly male employees, and the PoSH Act being clearly women-centric, I pose my ice-breaking question:
How many of you have working women in your families?
In one centre, three hands go up. In the other more than 50 per cent of the men say yes. Do I read the socio-cultural background through their responses? Probably yes, at least an inkling of what it might be, knowing the general demographic and social contexts of the participants from two different regions in India.
As I go along with my interactive mode of training, focusing on implication and application of the PoSH Act, I notice the body-language transform.
From one with crossed arms holding themselves in their own safe spaces, to one of interest and engagement.
From one that views discriminating women as normalized social behaviour, to one that recognizes the importance of equality, equity and empowerment.
From one of individual reflective acceptance of reality, to awareness of collective responsibility, where consent and respect ensure safer workplaces for women.
From awareness of the nuances to application of the concepts, the circles of control and influence worked in tandem.
“This is insightful. It helps us understand our responsibilities,” said a young male employee.
“This awareness will help me not just with my women co-workers, but also help me support the working women in my family should they face any sexual harassment,” said the seemingly oldest man in the training program.
Each one of us stepped out enriched by our reflections and conversations.
Dr. Triveni Goswami Mathur is a veteran educator, writer and former journalist with over three decades of diverse experience. A Fulbright and Rotary International Scholar, she specialises in Gender & Media and Sociology of Media. Alongside her academic roles, Triveni is recognised for her acting in theatre and film, enjoys painting, and lends her voice as a skilled voice-over artist. She advises and serves as a subject-matter expert at SheSR, championing women's empowerment.
For organisations seeking to strengthen their PoSH/DEI frameworks, write to us on hello@shesr.in to build inclusive workplaces that empower, retain, and elevate women. Talk to us to know more about leadership's role in preventing workplace harassment.
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