The Cost Of Silence: Examining The Long-Term Impact Of Sexual Exploitation On Women In The Workplace

Stephin Sinu Oommen, CHRIST (Deemed to be University) Delhi NCR

ABSTRACT

This research paper mainly focuses on the condition of sexual exploitation of women at the workplace. Sexual Exploitation is a subject of interest and a space of worry to the current time. The inappropriate behavior brings about infringement of the essential privileges of ladies particularly right to correspondence under Article 14 and 15 of the Indian constitution and her entitlement to everyday routine and to experience with pride under Article 21 of the constitution. The current study gives an escalated foundation of lewd behavior of ladies in India. The root of the lewd behavior has been taken from the Bhanwari Devi case and a record of Vishaka and Ors. V/s Union of India 1997 judgments. This research paper examines the issue of sexual exploitation of working women, with a focus on the role of civil society organizations and grassroots movements in advocating for women's rights and raising awareness about this issue, as well as the short-term and long-term consequences of sexual exploitation on the physical and mental health, economic well-being, and social status of working women.

The study finds that sexual exploitation of working women is a prevalent and systemic issue, fuelled by power imbalances, gender-based discrimination, and inadequate legal protection. The study also identifies a range of short- term and long-term consequences of sexual exploitation, including physical injuries, reproductive health problems, mental health issues, economic loss, and social stigma. The study highlights the important role of civil society organizations and grassroots movements in raising awareness about sexual exploitation and advocating for women's rights, while also emphasizing the need for systemic and policy-level changes to address the root causes of this issue. The study concludes by providing policy recommendations and best practices to prevent and respond to sexual exploitation of working women, based on the findings and perspectives of diverse stakeholders.