#AskForIt

One of the most important part of any movement is voicing our concerns. I acknowledge that it is not the easiest of the choices but it's one which has the power. Power to create a movement. Power to give courage to someone else who was looking for another voice. Power to support. Power to make thing happen. Voice concerns. #AskForIt

#AskingForIt is a term that trickled through time. To everything that a woman faces, I still see a question mark on peoples' faces which mildly suggest "may be she was asking for it" - in some of the best people I meet. So this new year, lets decide to change the narrative. #AskForIt

1. Anti-sexual harassment policy
• If your organization has more than 10 members of any gender, you should have this policy place. If you are part of any educational institution, company especially start-up - you can request to see this policy. #AskForIt
2. Create a policy if there isn't one
1. If there isn't one place, offer to make one. There are online templates available. Or reach out to any pro-bono lawyer and suggest a draft version to your co-founders. #AskForIt
3. Internal Complaints Committee
1. Your company must have an internal complaints committee to handle issues. Ensure you know who they are, ensure there are woman on that committee, with equal representation. #AskForIt
4. Performance Management and maternity leave
1. As per law, maternity leave cannot change conditions of employment. One of the conditions of employment is a bonus payout. You can also reset your OKRs with your manager in writing. Ensure you #AskForIt

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_Harassment_of_Women_at_Workplace_(Prevention,_Prohibition_and_Redressal)_Act,_2013

http://www.helplinelaw.com/1/METB/maternity-benefits-act-1961-act-under-the-maternity-benefits-act-1961.html

It's important to know what all you can ask for. I am working on sourcing such information. If any of you know have worked on something like this, would request you to share.

Saraswati