Remember that YouTube video where a woman directly confronts her sleazy senior at work for ogling at her breasts before a roomful of colleagues?

Working women often face sexism and sexual harassment but don't know where to turn. Often, they keep quiet for fear of social stigma.

But, women have a strong law to protect them, said Sunieta Ojha, a Supreme Court advocate and partner TRS Law Offices, New Delhi, at a session on sexual harassment at workplace organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Jamshedpur zonal office, at Centre for Excellence on Friday.

Held for corporate executives especially from micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) in Adityapur Industrial Area, where awareness of the Sexual Harassment of Women at their Work Place(Prevention) Act, 2003, is low, Ojha spoke to a crowd of over 80 people, mostly women employees and some college students.

For at least 45 minutes, Ojha spoke about the Act and how it empowers women.

Hostile environment, unwelcome behaviour, physical or verbal innuendo, promises of quid pro quo - offering promotion in exchange for sexual favours for instance - comes under the Act, explained Ojha.

"Sexual harassment is a human right violation. If someone is doing it, he violates the Constitution, especially Articles 14 and 15 on the right to equality and against discrimination. Today it is not just a civil offence but a criminal offence," she said.

Stressing on the role of enlightened employers, she said: "The employer shall be the key authority to address the problem. There should be an internals complaints committee to deal with any sexual harassment case. If the company can't provide justice, it is liable for punitive action if the woman goes to court."

But, while large corporate houses have a system to deal with such complaints, the MSME sector doesn't.

Divya Taneja, director, After Market, Apex Corporation India, admitted awareness was low in the MSME sector. "Many people think this is a part of life. Women keep mum accepting their situation. The session will change this mindset," she said.

Sanjay Sabherwal, vice-chairman, CII Jamshedpur zonal committee & managing director & CEO, Metaldyne Industries; Ujwala Asundi Kumar, convener of women empowerment panel, CII, Jharkhand state council and one of the board of directors, EEFCO Metals & Powder, were among industrialists present at session.

Have you spoken out against your sleazy office colleague or senior? Tell ttkhand@abpmail.com