I read article on rediff homepage about sexual harassment at workplace. It is increasing day by day with increasing women at workplace or it was there earlier but not coming out due to lake of awareness, that is not topic of my discussion. I just wanted to share my experience & how I deal with that. (I hope it may help few working friends)

I am working since 8 years, earlier I was working with NGO where 90% was female so don’t had any bad experience. I joined this organization last year & it took sometime for me to adjust in multinational culture, basically I am an introvert person at work (though my friends know me for being most talkative & funny person but I m opposite at work). I’ve my own cabin, as I was new few of my colleague came to my carbine & talk for while to make me feel comfortable. One of them was more friendlier than others & I thought he may being nice to me…..slowly he started visiting my cabinet every 30-35 mins….i’ve doubt on his behavior but as he was senior & having good rapo with other colleague I thought it may be my un-comfort for working with men. I ignored his frequent visits….

In our office there is one week in the month where most of the staff is traveling to field, it was that week & that man now started crossing his limits…..he usually come & seat on the chair but now he stand next to my chair & try to touch my body(not mentioning in details). I ignored it once…twice….that day was bad day for me. Next day he thought I am scared & may not mind his behavior so dared to play with me….it was shocking for me, I was totally shocked & don’t know how to deal with him. I don’t want to make any scene from this & also want to stop him. I pray for day to end soon, again bad day….. I  thought to talk with Mom but I usually deal with my problem independently so decide to deal with him next day.

That day I waited for him to come to me & start his silly acts…….he came & at very first step of him, I slap strongly on his hand…..now it’s his turn to shock, he set on chair & asked me what’s wrong with me. I looked into his eyes & said confidently that, I am working here at my choice & I am not in need of money or any other support from you or anyone. I don’t like if some1 touch me like this & if you feel bad fm my words you may not come to my place. I can take harsher step but I don’t want to make anything wrong for your carrier so it’s better if you understand this.

Heyaaa, he got my point & stop coming to me for 10-15 days. Than came once & said sorry & from that day we are again behaving as normal colleagues.

Here I was strong enough to handle the situation but I observe many of my friends (females) having such problem, they usually ignore it, sometime surrender & baring that humiliating behavior or left the job. Is it a solution of the problem………I guess NO, it may encourage those dirty minds. Still ppl have mentality to blame women and in many cases law is not much strong to deal.

I want to ask you, my I-Lander friends for ur view on topic………guys views are also needed.