#CelebrateingtheRainbow at the workplace – share your stories of Pride!
A delivery man is simply a total stranger, and how does anyone know if he is reliable or safe? It's better to take precautions.
One click is all needed to order anything online. During the pandemic (thanks to COVID) basic essentials such as groceries and vegetables reached many homes through online orders. This continued even after people were allowed to travel to the markets because it made life easier. No wasting time walking out, carrying heavy goods.
All things needed just reached the doorstep. While online shopping turned into a boon for many women, it also had dangers hidden inside.
I read this in the news a couple of days ago. Allegedly, a woman working in an IT firm, living in Chennai, was molested by a delivery person of an online grocery store.
The woman had ordered groceries to be delivered through one of the leading online grocery marts with branches all over India. In the scheduled time slot, the person came to deliver the products. As she was busy with work, she told him to keep the things on a chair in the living room.
The woman alleges that he noticed that she was all alone and took advantage of the situation, came closer and touched her shoulders. She panicked and screamed at him to leave immediately, but instead of leaving her, he kept asking for her phone number. She warned him that there were CCTC cameras outside the house and that she would call the police. Her screaming attracted the attention of the neighbours, after which they saw him fleeing from the house.
The woman contacted customer care of the online company and informed them of the incident. They assured her that he would be fired from his job, but even after speaking with five levels of senior executives, the delivery person’s details were not disclosed. Finally, in desperation, she took the incident to her Twitter page.
Within 6 hours, the police intervened and arrested the accused filing him under the harassment act.
When a delivery person comes home to deliver any goods, the mindset of people is that they come from a trusted company and believe them. The belief that one keeps on the company from where they order, is vested on the delivery person as well.
The point to be noted here is that he is just a common man and is a total stranger who cannot be relied on. Women who are alone become an easy target for such incidents which have to be stopped.
Safety chain/ grill door/ other ways to keep control on the door
– When the delivery person rings the bell, stay indoors and ask him to leave the bag outside the door. Close the door immediately. If there is a grill gate, better not to open it. If there is only a door, open it a little and ensure the full control of the door is only with you. After a while, ensuring he has left, the bag can be picked up.
Basket/ bucket for him to deposit goods
– If the person requests a bag to place the goods, then keep a basket/bucket already outside the door knowing the time he would be arriving. This saves time and after he leaves, the basket can be brought in
Pay online or keep exact cash ready to pay on delivery
– It is best to pay the order online while placing the order itself. This will ensure there isn’t any conversation time between the woman and the delivery person. If by chance, paying by cash, then giving in the exact amount will help lessen the time of interaction.
Only a fraction of a second is needed for such incidents to take place. But after it has happened the mental trauma stays with the woman for years. The culprit would eventually be punished but it cannot erase the agony endured by women.
Let us find ways to protect ourselves and never forget to stay strong. Let us vow to rise if ever there is an incident. Let that create fear so that such a situation should never arise again.
Image source: kieferpix from Getty Images Free for Canva Pro
read more...
Women's Web is an open platform that publishes a diversity of views, individual posts do not necessarily represent the platform's views and opinions at all times.
Stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter or Daily Summary - or both!
Can you believe this bloke compelled me to wear only saris - full time at home- till the eighth month of my pregnancy?! The excessive heat coupled with humidity made my life miserable.
Recently when I browsed an interesting post by a fellow author on this very forum I had a sense of déjà vu. She describes the absolutely unnecessary hullabaloo over ladies donning nighties and /or dupatta –less suits.
I wish to narrate how I was in dire straits so far wearing a ‘nightie’ was concerned.
I lived in my ultra orthodox sasural under constant surveillance of two moral guardians (read Taliban) in the shape of the husband’s mom and dad. The mom was unschooled and dim-witted while the dad was a medical practitioner. But he out-Heroded the Herod in orthodoxy.
My supervisor introduced me as a valuable member of the team, emphasizing my skills and contributions rather than focusing on my gender identity. This simple act set the tone for my experience in the workplace.
As a transwoman navigating the corporate world, I had encountered my fair share of discrimination and challenges. Transitioning without the support of my parents and having limited friendships in my personal life made the journey difficult and lonely. However, when I stepped into the office, something remarkable happened, I left behind the stress and negativity, embracing a space where I could truly be myself.
Joining the marketing team as a graphic designer, I was initially apprehensive about how my colleagues would react to my gender identity. But to my surprise, the atmosphere was welcoming and respectful from day one. My supervisor, Sarah, introduced me as a valuable member of the team, emphasizing my skills and contributions rather than focusing on my gender identity. This simple act set the tone for my experience in the workplace.
As I settled into my role, I discovered that my colleagues went out of their way to make me feel comfortable and included. They consistently used my correct name and pronouns, creating an environment where I could be authentically me. Being an introvert, making friends wasn’t always easy for me, but within this workplace, I found a supportive community that embraced me for who I truly am. The workplace became a haven where I could escape the stresses of my personal life and focus on my professional growth.
Please enter your email address