42 pc of Indian women report workplace bias: Aon survey

6 pc of working women in India have reported that they had faced sexual harassment at least once, yet less than half officially reported the incident to their employer

Working women in India consistently face bias and harassment, including sexual harassment, as well as career setbacks at workplace. These were some of the findings of Voice of Women Study India, the first and largest survey of its kind in India covering nearly 24,000 professional women from over 560 companies in India. It was conducted from March to June 2024, to identify their most pressing workplace challenges and the reality of an inclusive workplace.

According to the survey, over 6 pc of working women in India have reported that they had faced sexual harassment at least once, yet less than half officially reported the incident to their employer.

According to numerous studies and reports India has a long and grim record when it comes to workplace sexual harassment and it is not limited to any particular section of society either. This is a widespread phenomenon existing right from startup culture to MNCs, the media industry to lawyers, consultants, social workers and less pervasively, but still as frequently for unskilled workers as well. No matter the space or the occasion, the fundamental right to work in a secure environment is denied to women on countless occasions.

“Sexual harassment at workplace is a pervasive issue globally, and India is no exception. As a woman working in India, I have observed how poor enforcement, administrative apathy, and societal barriers contribute to the ongoing harassment women face. Many women are  reluctant to lodge complaints due to fear of retaliation, lack of awareness about their rights, and the stigma associated with reporting harassment,” Suman Paul, 32-years-old, a resident of  Uttam Nagar in Delhi, tells Media India Group.

“I too have faced harassment in my life. I tried to stand up for myself because I knew no one else would, but things did not work out as I hoped. The constant anxiety and stress took a toll on me, and eventually, I had to leave my job. It was a difficult decision, but it was necessary for my mental health. Recently, I have started my own boutique, where I finally feel safe and in control of my environment. It has been a relief to work in a space where I no longer have to live in fear,” she adds.

“In my experience, the culture of silence around sexual harassment is deeply ingrained. Women often feel isolated and unsupported when they do come forward. Moreover, organisations frequently fail to create safe environments or provide proper channels for reporting and addressing grievances,” Paul adds.

Young women often face discrimination in the workplace, but the challenges do not end there. For working mothers, the struggle intensifies as they juggle their career and motherhood. They face compounded issue of being seen as less committed or capable due to their maternal responsibilities.

According to the study, 75 pc of working mothers among the respondents said they have faced a career setback of one-to-two years after maternity leave. Close to 40 pc of working mothers said going on maternity leave had a negative impact on pay. Moreover, their role changed to something they did not prefer.

This stark contrast highlights the challenges faced by working mothers, while maternity leave is meant to support their transition into motherhood, it often leads to significant professional and financial disadvantages, leaving them in roles that do not align with their career aspirations.

“After returning from maternity leave, I was shocked to find that, although my role remained the same, my pay had been reduced. It felt like a punishment for choosing to have a family. I wanted to speak up, but I was afraid of the consequences. In the end, I had no choice but to leave the company. It was a heartbreaking decision, but I could not stay in a place that devalued my work simply because I became a mother, It is frustrating to see how different things are for women in the workplace, even when we try to push through these challenges,” Poonam Singh, a 31-year-old resident of Dashdoi village in  Lucknow, tells Media India Group.

The struggles of young women and working mothers, who face reduced pay and career setbacks, are just one part of this broader issue. According to survey 42 pc of women says they face bias or potential bias, and 37 pc revealing they have encountered insensitive behaviour at work.

“I have seen how bias can impact a woman’s career. It is not always blatant, but the subtle ways it manifests can be just as damaging. Whether it is being passed over for opportunities or feeling like you have to prove yourself twice as hard, the constant undercurrent of bias creates a barrier that is difficult to overcome,” Mewish Sultan, 27-years-old, who works as a sales manager in Mohali near Chandigarh, tells Media India Group.

The survey also highlights that things can be different and that when women are in leadership roles, the impact on female employees is profound. About 53 pc of women in organisations with visible female leaders reported feeling confident in their career growth, 52 pc saw a positive cultural shift and 41 pc viewed these leaders as role models. The presence of female leaders also diminished perceptions of unfairness in crucial areas like performance reviews, promotions and compensation. This illustrates that while the challenges for women are significant, the path to a more equitable workplace starts with empowering women at all levels of leadership.

“We feel more secure and supported when a female is our boss. There is an understanding and empathy that often is not there otherwise. It is not just about having someone to look up to it is about feeling that our challenges are recognised and that there is someone who truly advocates for us in the workplace. In the workplace, women often face an uphill battle, dealing with everything from blatant bias to subtle forms of discrimination,” Suraya Malik, a 27-year-old, who works as an accountant and is resident of Srinagar in Jammu & Kashmir, tells Media India Group.