Read the following passage and answer the item that follow. Your answer to these items should be based on the passages only
Passage 1
In the past, the few women professionals who dotted our corporate landscape suffered in silence, not willing to complain about discrimination or harassment for fear of losing their jobs. Today, there is strength in numbers and women are willing to raise issues of gender discrimination and sexual harassment publicly. Although women have greater confidence, financial independence, strong peer groups and a deeper understanding of their rights, they are still reluctant to expose issues related to sexual harassment and to take their tormentors down the legal path of justice. There exists, unfortunately, a huge psychological challenge that women, and society as a whole, need to address. This relates to behavioural attitudes and codes of conduct in the workplace.
It was in 1997 that a women’s rights group called Vishaka filed a PIL in the Supreme Court in response to a humiliating legal battle fought by a rape victim in Rajasthan, who did not get justice and was shamed and ostracised by her community instead. Consequently, the Supreme Court’s Vishaka judgement laid down guidelines for employers to deal with complaints of sexual harassment/assault at the workplace, which included the formation of an independent redressal committee.
Which of the following is true with regard to women professionals who worked in corporate offices in the past?
- They were considered as most privileged women and special treatment was given to them.
- They had to suffer in silence because of male dominance and fear of losing jobs.
- They were given special perks and leave facilities.
Choose the correct code