Women IT professionals are discriminated

CHENNAI: A young working woman being verbally and physically assaulted by self-appointed moral police in Kochi has raised questions regarding the safety of women in the IT sector. Chennai is considered a safe zone, and many women attest this fact. At the same time, some have had unpleasant experiences. A woman or young girl with unusual work timing is frowned upon not only by family members but also by the general public. The situation gets worse when she is married.Most women are opting for earlier shifts to leave before dark, especially if they live in distant areas. Cab services have to be requisitioned, which is a lengthy process.Bus services are infrequent at night, and auto rickshaws tend to charge more than the usual night rate if they figure out that the woman is from an IT firm. Few choose to use their two wheelers or cars.A company tag is the cue shopkeepers need to automatically quote a ‘special’ price for them. Landlords say that if these girls can spend their salary on going out and having fun, they could pay higher rents. The people of Chennai may not openly show their disapproval, but the subtle ways in which it is expressed takes a toll on these otherwise- confident and independent women.Girls living with their parents feel that telling their parents about incidents of harassment will curb their independence. They ignore the problem and hope it goes away. Lodging a complaint is too much of a hassle, they say. The best way is to get used to the stares and murmurs.Women from the IT sector speak to City Express about their experiences.