New Delhi, Sep 25 (IANS) National Commission for Women member Delina Khongdup said companies should immediately address the concerns raised by employees on workplace harassment and lack of maternity benefits.
Addressing ASSOCHAM’s 5th Diversity and Inclusion Excellence Awards and Conclave 2024, Khongdup stressed the need for diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
“This should be a constant practice in organizations for the rights of women and everyone,” she said. Achieving gender diversity is a human and social responsibility for all sectors of society. Diversity is immense in India and there should be a spirit of inclusion at all possible places.
Although the Companies Act has been amended to increase the representation of women on boards of directors, the reality is that the number of women at the CEO level in the Indian workforce is less than 5 percent.
Khongdup said, “Corporate India must recognize this inclusivity and bridge the gender balance gap in workplaces. The problem of harassment in the workplace and non-payment of maternity benefits should be addressed immediately for the better. We must adopt a holistic approach to achieve the goal of Developed India 2047.”
Khongdup’s comments come at a time when young CA Anna Sebastian, who worked at audit firm Ernst & Young, died in Pune due to excessive work pressure.
Her mother Anita had claimed, “Anna (26) died on July 21 due to workload and stress.”
Augustine wrote in a heartbreaking letter to chairman Rajeev Memani that Anna worked at the accounting firm for four months.
Ravi Bhatnagar, Co-Chair, ASSOCHAM National CSR, highlighted the importance of recognizing the well-being of employees at workplaces, so that gender diversity can be kept at the centre.
–IANS
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