#MeToo at the Workplace: Exploring Sexual Harassment Experienced by Female Employees in Private Sector Organisations in Delhi-NCR

This study explores sexual harassment experiences of female employees in private sector organisations in Delhi-NCR. Adopting a mixed methods approach, a 3-part survey tool was used to gather data from 206 female employees. The experiences of 20 participants who had reported sexual harassment were then qualitatively explored through semi-structured interviews. While significant differences in the experience of sexual harassment were found across marital status and age groups, no significant difference were found between women at different designation levels. Although high levels of awareness were found (80.1%), several social, attitudinal and systemic barriers prevented women from accessing complaints mechanisms and taking action. A lack of trust in the system, a tendency to normalise sexual harassment, and to change one’s own demeanour at work to prevent harassment was also observed. This indicates the need to bring about a shift in both societal and organisational attitudes to implement anti sexual harassment policies successfully.