WorklifeIndia

What has changed 10 years after 2012 Delhi bus rape?

The fatal Delhi gang rape in 2012, also known as the Nirbhaya case, is seen as a watershed moment in India’s efforts to tackle sexual violence against women. The case had sparked massive protests and led to tougher anti-rape laws. Conversations around rape, often regarded as taboo or a matter of shame, also became more open in the Indian society. But 10 years since, signs of sexual crimes abating in India are not very encouraging. Recent government data points to a steady increase in the last few years. And justice still remains out of reach for many. So have reforms really worked? Are societal attitudes changing to counter the deep-rooted cult of masculinity that the Indian patriarchal society harbours? And is there consensus on the severity of punishment for the culprits? Joining the discussion are Neha Singh, campaigner, founder of Why Loiter Initiative; Manjula Pradeep, director of campaigns at Dalit Human Rights Defenders Network; Anita Abraham, criminal and civil lawyer Presenter: Divya Arya

Is pay parity a game-changer for Indian women cricketers?

India is a cricket-loving nation, with the sport played all over the country - from grassroots gully (street) cricket to domestic, national and international leagues. The Board of Control for Cricket in India is the world’s richest cricket governing body, with a net worth of around $2 billion. But women's cricket in the country has struggled to enjoy the same level of recognition and funding as men's cricket. The recent announcement by the BCCI to pay equal match fees to both men and women players has been widely welcomed. But will it change the patriarchal mindset that women players face right from the start of their cricket journey? Will it help attract more brands and sponsors to women’s cricket? And how about the annual retainership fee that still has a huge gap between men and women cricketers? In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss whether gender pay parity will change the way the sport is played in India. Presenter: Divya Arya Contributors: Khyati Gulani, former cricketer, coach at Delhi & District Cricket Association; Ramakrishnan R, co-founder and director, Baseline Ventures; Ridhima Pathak, sports anchor

How to deal with layoffs

As mass layoffs at Meta and Twitter hit the global tech industry, many more companies have either already downsized or are expected to come out with similar announcements soon. Employees who’ve got the pink slip have all the more reason to worry as questions about an impending recession gain ground. So what should be the immediate steps to safeguard one’s financial future? Do companies provide enough resources to plan the next career move? Are they even mindful of employees who have been laid off? Losing a job can be devastating, and layoffs are always a gruelling ordeal. How does one endure the trauma and mental stress that layoffs often bring? In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss the best strategies and resources available to deal with layoffs. Presenter: Divya Arya Contributors: John Victor, clinical psychologist, founder of Reevin Mental Health; Prashant Pandey, business leader at Manpower Group; Deba Prasad Dhar, media professional, experienced layoff

Is India ready for same-sex marriages?

In 2018, India’s Supreme Court decriminalised gay sex in a landmark ruling which was seen as a big victory for the country's LGBTQ+ community. But activists say attitudes on the ground have been slow to change. Members of the community still face discrimination and harassment in daily life. While activists have called for specific laws to help fight these prejudices, several LGBTQ+ couples have also filed petitions seeking to legalise same-sex marriages. But will the struggle for the right to marry divert attention from the fight for equal rights and acceptance? And will the country evolve with changing times? Presenter: Divya Arya Contributors: Saurabh Kirpal, senior advocate, identifies as gay; Debolina Dey, assistant professor, identifies as lesbian and queer; Sharif D Ranganekar, author, workplace culture consultant, identifies as gay

How can India add more women to its workforce?

India’s festive season has prompted a surge in hiring of women for temporary jobs. But women still represent a small proportion of India’s workforce. Experts say corporate India is paying more attention to diversity in the workplace, opening many opportunities for women employees, but numbers still remain worryingly low. India's overall joblessness is worrying: the country's unemployment rate has exceeded that of most emerging economies in recent years. Women also face enormous discrimination in the job market, and earn less than men even when they have the same qualifications and experience. How can Indian women get better, more equitable opportunities? And is it possible to have a more diverse employee pool in both formal and informal sectors? In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss how can India add more women to its workforce. Presenter: Divya Arya Contributors: Amitabh Behar, CEO, Oxfam India; Rituparna Chakraborty, co-founder and executive director, TeamLease Services; Sabina Dewan, president and executive director, JustJobs Network