The decibel levels over MeToo continue to rise each day. Since the past week, prominent 'leaders' in fields as diverse as media, music, movies and corporate services have been accused of sexual harassment by women who worked with them and the noise has got shriller.
But there have been instances of heart-warming gestures amid the outrage. With social media being the main platform for MeToo revelations, many companies have openly advertised about jobs for those who have been “harassed”. While the MeToo movement is a trying yet liberating time for women, a lot of them who are speaking out against current or former bosses might be in need of new employment opportunities.
On Tuesday, Twitter was abuzz with accusations against the founder and CEO of a media agency. Many female employees reportedly came out with their own stories about the CEO. However, these employees were also aware of the fact the 'perpetrator' could not be forced to step down as he was founder of the company and that they would have to urgently leave.
It was then that student and activist Sukhnidh Kaur tweeted about issue. Many Twitter users responded with job offers for the alleged victims of sexual harassment. These new companies also reiterated that they stand by their responses to Sukhnidh's appeal.
THE WEEK talked to a few of the companies that reached out to Sukhnidh's appeal. These companies, in addition to touting their progressive approach to gender diversity and zero-tolerance policies to sexual harassment, also affirmed that they were keen on helping these women in distress.
One of the first to respond was Swati Nathani, co-founder and CBO, Team Pumpkin, a media organisation based in Mumbai. She said, “Initially, I did not know about the situation till the tweet popped up on my timeline. But I read through the entire thread and realised here are some women who could be helped with fresh opportunities. It is hard enough that they had to come out with their stories in the way they did. I am sure it has been tough, but they shouldn't feel like there are no new opportunities. And hence I responded.”
Nathani declared that her company promoted an inclusive work environment. “I do my best to create an inclusive environment for all employees. In fact, we even have members of the LGBTQ community working in some senior positions. Also we were genuinely looking for people,” she noted.
“At Team Pumpkin, we have a committee that will hear complaints of sexual harassment—if something of this nature does take place, ensure complete anonymity to the victim, investigate into the matter and take appropriate action. But thankfully, so far, there has not been any such incident here. Actually, one of the first criteria in hiring a future employee, is their sensitivity towards women, one of the first questions they are asked in the interview is 'what are your views on women in the workplace?'” Nathani declared.
Karan Talwar, founder of SnG Comedy, was another Twitter user who responded to Sukhnid's tweet. “I responded because I need to make some quick hires because my current team is off for Comicstaan Season 2. We have zero tolerance towards any kind of harassment against anyone. Also, it is pretty easy to manage since we have just two other employees.”
Talwar also has a note of warning on 'jumping the gun' on MeToo accusations. “I've read some horrific detailed accounts of men abusing friendships and power and then some frivolous accounts of grumpy people who need to get over their bad breakup. While the former has to be dealt with utmost sensitivity and punishment, I don't think 'victims' in the latter category count as survivors. All of this can't be grouped together for the sake of headlines and if it does, it will put the entire MeToo movement off-track,” he said on men speaking about it being a scary time for them.
Nikhita Kini, editor in chief at Being Indian, a sub-brand of Culture Machine, said, “I responded because I am a decent human being who has been glued to Twitter trying to help victims come out, spread the word etc. The least I can do for the survivors is get them a job because they had to let go off their current jobs as the alleged sexual predator at their workplace isn't willing to step down from his role. How is it fair to anybody?”
Kini also touted her organisation's proactive approach to the sexual harassment issue. “Yes, Culture Machine is a pretty 'woke' media house, but you don't need to plan or strategise this. We are willing to interview anyone who fits best for our role here. The company has the stringiest sexual harassment policy and a committee that has time and again ensured that women in the company are treated like decent human beings.”
“In fact, Culture Machine has also waived off the time limit restriction [initially you could reach out to the internal committee only within three months of the incident]. But that restriction, too, has been lifted. Similarly, I feel companies need to revisit their sexual harassment policies to accommodate a hassle-free approach, so that the victim need not worry about the nitty-gritty issues. The first step to make it safe for anybody is by making the process of speaking out easier,” Kini argued.
Here is what Nikhil Taneja, co-founder of Yuvaa, a Mumbai-based content company focusing on socially conscious youth-based content, had to say. “I know Sukhnidh quite well and responded to her tweet because I wanted to offer support to the victims. Right now, during the MeToo movement, many women who have spoken out might need new jobs. Being a youth-oriented company whose aim is to make socially conscious content, we at Yuvaa are very much sensitised towards issues like these.”
“And as a personal advocate of mental health, I want to be able to create a non-toxic, mentally sound and an inclusive work atmosphere. Of course, we want to try and employ more candidates who are below the age of 25, going by the name and purpose of the organisation. But we are open to any fitting candidate with the right kind of skills,” says Taneja who has worked previously on YouTube series like Pappu aur Papa and the Ladies Room.
As for the MeToo movement making this a scary time for men, Taneja says, “Everyone should understand that this movement is not against men and that it is not a scary time for men. Simply because it is more about bringing down the toxic patriarchal system that has been revered and been enabled equally by men and women alike. The deep-set prejudice against women now calls for a course correction and I truly hope that at the end of this movement, we as a society will emerge being more tolerant towards our women, treat them with respect, treat issues with sensitivity and support the victims wholly. And I hope for a positive inclusive work culture where everyone feels welcome.”