'Women still continue to get less pay than men'

Mangalore, October 16: Though the Equal Remuneration Act was implemented in India in 1976, in many work places women are still paid lesser than men. In organised sectors women are given different designations so that they can be given lesser pay and in unorganised sectors the work done by women is considered to be light and hence she is entitled to a lesser pay.

In many cases men do not want women to be paid salary equal to their's as it hurts their ego, said Working Women Coordination Committee Convener Dr Hemalatha after inaugurating the seventh working women state convention in Mangalore.

Stressing on the need for implementation of women's rights at workplaces, she said that women are subjected to sexual harassment. Many a time's sexual favours are expected from women in return to employment or promotion. “These cases are not taken seriously by the companies. They are often reffered to or forwarded to women's organizations.

Though a Committee must be set up in every work place to address the problems faced by women, these have not been implemented,” she said and added that many women do not report sexual harassment in fear of the social stigma.

“Women are also expected to work in late night shifts. Though the law allows women to work only till eight in many places they are made to work beyond this time without transportation facilities,” she said.

Maternity Benefit Act has not been implemented especially in the unorganised sectors. There is a need to have crèches in case there are more than 50 women employees in an organisation. However, this is not known to many and hence it has not been implemented, she informed.

She also revealed that CITU has decided to form sub-committees in various work places. These committees will report the grievances to the trade unions, who will try to seek justice for the women subjected to injustice at work places.

CITU State Committee Vice president B Madhava said CITU aims to train women to be leaders, he said.