Next Step in ‘Me Too’ Is for Employers to Act: Urvashi Butalia

Addressing the issue on workplace practices, Urvashi said, it is now incumbent on employers to act.

Urvashi Butalia, Co-founder of Kali for Women and Director of Zubaan Books.

(Photo Courtesy: Penguin India)

The year 2018 saw the rise of the ‘Me Too’ movement in India, inspired by the global campaign against sexual harassment and assault. While the fallout of the movement seems too good to be true with several prominent actors and journalists being named, there is no going back since women have started to speak out, said Co-founder of Kali for Women and Director of Zubaan Books Urvashi Butalia.

“This will challenge the power equations in a very deep way. I hope there will be more pressure on employers,” Urvashi said.

Addressing the issue on workplace practices, Urvashi said, it is now incumbent on employers to show their political will to change. “Women are talking about serious problems that need to be addressed, about a work environment that has to be respectful to every person working there,” she said, stressing that it is high time employers act on it now.

“However, the onus of where the movement is headed is put on women, which is problematic. The women have only raised the issue, but it is society’s responsibility to carry the issue forward,” Urvashi said.