Steminist blog

Basic Human Rights

Shreyasi Mukerji

Trigger warning: discussions of sexual assault

We, as humans, find meaning in identifying and trying to champion values we are passionate about in our own ways. We write about them, take to the streets for them, spread awareness about them or even just spend our time privately thinking about them. Sometimes we think about what we can do differently, and at other times we externalize the responsibility. I chose a niche subject for my blogs - celebrating and uplifting women in STEM careers, something I care about. But it is unimaginable to focus on the nuances of business needs to encourage more women in a male-dominated field when men are raping and murdering women in their own workplaces.

In the light of the heinous rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata last week, India has, once again, taken to the streets to protest the violation of the basic rights of women to be safe. This topic has been as triggering to me as the Nirbhaya case in 2012, and I had taken part in the vigils in Bangalore then. But what amount of screaming on the streets will be enough, and who are we screaming at? 

Governments, businesses and communities have a responsibility towards people when it comes to safety. Businesses must remember that they are a crucial part of this discussion and have significant legal, ethical and moral responsibilities. They are legally required to provide safe working conditions for their employees. They have a duty of care to protect their employees from foreseeable risks. They must comply with occupational health and safety laws. 

If you’re not in India or in another country that openly battles with women’s safety issues, please remember that groups are only as strong as their weakest links, and do not disassociate from the larger issue of gender-based violations around the world. We cannot begin to think about increasing women’s impact in male-dominated fields such as STEM fields without addressing the basic need of physical and psychological safety.

Businesses need to conduct risk assessments with a gender lens. The safety needs of women should not be overlooked. Businesses should review and strengthen their policies on harassment and violence, ensuring that they are robust, clear and communicated effectively. Businesses should provide tailored psychological support and counseling, given that women are already under significant pressure due to gender bias, but also provide psychological safety training to their leadership. Gender-sensitive training needs to be updated and ongoing, and combating unconscious bias is an important topic to focus on. Leaders should loudly advocate for safety and inclusivity, allowing for a culture in which women feel safe enough to voice concerns. Investigations should be transparent, and a zero tolerance policy is a bare minimum. 

In the long term, lobbying for stronger workplace safety laws and regulations, partnering with relevant organizations, creating safe innovative spaces so we get the diversity of women’s opinions when workplaces are designed or policies are drafted, and empathetic communication to the employees are possible. Engaging with the broader community to raise awareness helps prevent such tragedies too.