In light of the recent controversy that is dogging top audit firm KPMG, we ask our readers -- does sexual harassment exist in Indian offices?
A female employee of KPMG (who has preferred to remain anonymous to the media) complained of the lewd, obscene behaviour of her performance manager towards her. Although they switched managers for her on paper, the offender continued to be responsible for her reprisals.
The employee claims to have followed protocol, complaining to her seniors, the CEO, and even the international ethics committee, but all her moves eventually culminated in her being asked to resign.
In its defense, KPMG issued a statement saying that they had set up a complaints committee to probe the matter, but that she claimed to be unavailable when they approached her. When the dates were rescheduled, the employee expressed her doubts regarding the unbiased stand of the committee members.
So we're asking our readers -- what do you think qualifies as sexual harassment?
Do most organisations take adequate measures to protect women in the workplace?
Have you ever faced sexual harassment of any kind? How did you deal with it?
We invite you to share their experiences, opinions, and advice on the subject. Inspirational stories of opposition to such corruption may just inspire other victims of sexual harassment to fight back.