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Reading this article was like revisiting my times at IISERM, which is truly disheartening. I am guilty of not speaking out and raising my voice during that time, so here it goes. Thread 1/n https://twitter.com/thadipakoda/status/1295948010468253696
There were several 'locker-room' Facebook pages to "discuss" and objectify women with various derogatory remarks. There was no action taken against them, whatsoever. 2/n
There was widespread stalking and harassment that was reported to authorities, but no action taken, whatsoever. 3/n
There were music bands called for fests who sang songs that would put Bollywood item songs to shame with their sheer misogyny. No action taken, whatsoever. 4/n
These are just a tiniest fraction of the incidents that happened in the institution but there was never any action taken. The "women cell" was a dummy for most parts. 5/n
Yes, we need to teach respect for women at the ground-level, but that shouldn't stop us for controlling and checking for such behavior at the higher levels. 6/n
There needs to be sexual harassment training during the orientation that makes students know that strict actions will be taken. In addition to the amazing courses that are offered now, a few courses on gender equality would go a long way. 7/n
This should also be the case for faculties (if not already in place). It's so commonplace to hear that profX (not in iiserm to my knowledge) doesnt take women students because theyll just leave in the middle to marry off. I cant begin to explain to inappropriate that is.8/n
Yes institutionalizing these changes will take resources, money and time. But this shouldn't be optional, rather a top priority. How can a research institute generate good research if half of its members have to deal with harassment at a regular basis 9/n
I can't recount the times I or my friends have been eve-teased, called out names for what we chose to wear or do, been made uncomfortable doing something as simple as walking. If there was a system in place that encouraged us to report, we would have. 10/n
And for those of you who partook in any kind of harassment (y'know who you're) and realize now that that was indeed harassment, if possible, please apologize to the people you've harassed. 11/n
Thank you for coming to my TED talk. n/n
Also more power to the authors, y'all are amazing!
