Sexual Harassment Policy

It shall remain to be the policy of this organization that no employee shall be intimidated by colleagues, male or female on sexual issues. When such incidents are reported, they shall be treated as cases of sexual harassment punishable by the measures outlined in this policy. In the case of this organization sexual harassment shall be considered to be unwelcome or unwarranted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors as well as all other verbal or non verbal (physical) conduct of sexual nature directed to an employee without his or her consented wish (Conte, 2008).This company shall therefore take the following issues as sexual harassment and shall all be punishable in equal measure without discrimination, favor or fear of contradiction; ? Any form of touching or any other body contact that may be sexually suggestive. This includes but is not limited to, o Grabbing any employee around the waist o Patting or scratching or another persons back o Pecking, tickling among other things ? Unwelcome gestures, jokes use of offensive and unsolicited comments on clothing? Unwanted flirting and repeated request for dates that are turned down ? Playing suggestive music ? Display of sexually suggestive posters, pictures or objects ? Transmitting emails of suggestive nature (Koss, 2008). Procedure for Reporting Sexual Harassment Unlike other complains that this company strictly demands that the clear channel of authority be followed, cases of sexual harassment can be reported to any person above the victim’s rank who the victim feels open and free to share the details of the harassment.After the senior officer has received these details, he is expected to channel those complains to the human resource department within eight working hours for investigation to be conducted. The human resource department shall take the case to its committee and initiate the initial fact finding mission that shall provide the facts to the case. After the facts have been gathered and the re is clear evidence that the accused is guilty of sexually harassing a colleague, he or she (offender) shall be summoned and his side of the story listened.He or she shall also be expected to either approve that the misconduct he is accused to have committed are true as the case is, are true but are exaggerated, or refuse to accept the allegation. If he or she accepts the happening of the misconduct, a chance for a formal defense shall be offered where his side of the story shall be listened and contrasted with the facts given by the complainant. After cross examining the accused as well as the victim, the committee shall then take the appropriate action depending on the nature of the harassment and the facts established.Severe cases shall be punished through termination of contract and a request to the relevant state authorities for trials in the judicial systems. This policy is expected to promote the laws that emphasize equal employment opportunities. The Equal Employment Opport unity Commission (EEOC) is the agency mandated to promote equal employment opportunities to all qualified citizens. It therefore discourages any form of discriminate against Sexual Harassment Age, National Origin, Disability, Race, Pregnancy, Religion, Sex or Gender.The commission also roots for Equal Pay among the workers irregardless of gender while at the same time gets to evaluate the response towards cases of Sexual Harassment Claim (Bohlander, 2007). Reference: Conte A. (2008), Sexual Harassment in the Workplace: Law and Practice, Vol. 5, New York; Panel Publishers Koss P. , (2008) Changed Lives: The Psychological Impact of Sexual Harassment. New York; University of New York Press. Bohlander, G. W. (2007), Managing Human Resources; New York, Thomson Publishers

Ntu Career

Score: 120 out of 120 points (100%) 1. award: 10 out of 10 points Which of the following valuation measures is often used to compare firms which have no earnings? Price-to-book ratio P/E ratio Price-to-cash flow ratio Price-to-sales ratio 2. award: 10 out of 10 points When Google's share price reached $475 per share Google had a P/E ratio of about 68 and an estimated market capitalization rate of 11. 5%. Google pays no dividends. What percentage of Google's stock price was represented by PVGO? 92% 87% 77% 64% 3. award: 10 out of 10 points A firm is expected to produce earnings next year of $3. 00 per share.It plans to reinvest 25% of its earnings at 20%. If the cost of equity if 11%, what should be the value of the stock? $27. 27 $50. 00 $66. 67 $70. 00 g = . 25 x . 20 = . 05; P = 3. 0/(. 11 – . 05) = 50. 00 4. award: 10 out of 10 points The free cash flow to the firm is reported as $198 million. The interest expense to the firm is $15 million. If the tax rate is 35% and the n et debt of the firm increased by $20 million, what is the market value of the firm if the FCFE grows at 3% and the cost of equity is 14%? $1,893 billion $1,893 billion $2,497 billion $2,585 billion $3,098 billion FCFE = 198 – 15(1 – . 35) + 20 = 208. 5. Value = 208. 25/(. 14 – . 03) = 1893. 5. award: 10 out of 10 points If a firm has a free cash flow equal to $50 million and that cash flow is expected to grow at 3% forever, what is the total firm value given a WACC of 9. 5%? $679 million $715 million $769 million $803 million Total value = 50/(. 095 – . 03) = 769. 23 6. award: 10 out of 10 points A firm has a stock price of $54. 75 per share. The firm's earnings are $75 million and the firm has 20 million shares outstanding. The firm has an ROE of 15% and a plowback of 65%. What is the firm's PEG ratio? 1. 50 1. 25 1. 10 1. 00 7. award: 10 out of 10 pointsAce Frisbee Corporation produces a good that is very mature in their product life cycles. Ace Frisbee Corporation is expected to pay a dividend in year 1 of $3. 00, a dividend in year 2 of $2. 00, and a dividend in year 3 of $1. 00. After year 3, dividends are expected to decline at the rate of 2% per year. An appropriate required return for the stock is 8%. Using the multistage DDM, the stock should be worth __________ today. $13. 07 $13. 58 $18. 25 $18. 78 8. award: 10 out of 10 points Caribou Gold Mining Corporation is expected to pay a dividend of $4 in the upcoming year. Dividends are expected to decline at the rate of 3% per year.The risk-free rate of return is 5% and the expected return on the market portfolio is 13%. The stock of Caribou Gold Mining Corporation has a beta of -0. 50. Using the CAPM, the return you should require on the stock is _________. 2% 5% 8% 9% 9. award: 10 out of 10 points You are considering acquiring a common share of Sahali Shopping Center Corporation that you would like to hold for one year. You expect to receive both $1. 25 in dividends and $35 f rom the sale of the share at the end of the year. The maximum price you would pay for a share today is __________ if you wanted to earn a 12% return. 31. 25 $32. 37 $38. 47 $41. 32 10. award: 10 out of 10 points Each of two stocks, A and B, are expected to pay a dividend of $7 in the upcoming year. The expected growth rate of dividends is 6% for both stocks. You require a return of 10% on stock A and a return of 12% on stock B. Using the constant growth DDM, the intrinsic value of stock A _________. will be higher than the intrinsic value of stock B will be the same as the intrinsic value of stock B will be less than the intrinsic value of stock B more information is necessary to answer this question award: 11. ward: 10 out of 10 points If a firm increases its plowback ratio this will probably result in a(n) _______ P/E ratio. higher lower unchanged unable to determine 12. award: 10 out of 10 points If a stock is correctly priced then you know that ____________. the dividend payout ratio is optimal the stock's required return is equal to the growth rate in earnings and dividends the sum of the stock's expected capital gain and dividend yield is equal to the stock's required rate of return the present value of growth opportunities is equal to the value of assets in place

An Introduction to the Creative Essay on the Topic of Vacation in Acapulco Mexico

An Introduction to the Creative Essay on the Topic of Vacation in Acapulco Mexico While on vacation in Acapulco Mexico, I, along with my family and friends took a tour by boat to a small resort island. As we approached, I was awestruck by its beauty. I knew this was going to be fun, but had no idea that this place would be forever etched in my mind. We were greeted at the dock by two natives dressed in brightly colored tropical shirts, white pants and shoes. They were also wearing smiles just as bright. They escorted us to an open-air type restaurant with a thatched roof that was actually attached to the pier at which we docked. The restaurant had a casual atmosphere that made us very comfortable. The food was served buffet style, with an elegant array of Mexican and American cuisine. The entertainment provided in the restaurant during and after the buffet was de- lightful. A ten minute introduction to the Mexican culture was followed by an intriguing native dance, performed by a man dressed in an authentic looking costume consisting of only a rawhide g-string wit h a short apron front. His sandals had leather cords winding halfway up his legs. This dance depicted a story of a hunter and his prey. It was narrated by a woman who was also in costume. Brightly dressed Mexican men were beating drums and banging sticks providing the sound effects for the story. This was truly a great beginning to a wonderful afternoon. Behind the restaurant was a low mountainous area, accessible by walking trails only. We hiked one of these trails, observing the brightly colored tropical plants and trees that flourished on this well maintained terrain. A beautiful waterfall added to the splendor, and when we reached the top, a lookout provided a panoramic view of the entire bay. What a breathtaking sight! There was a bar here, and after a cool drink we decided to head down. We took a different trail down that brought us to the base of the mountain. In front of us, about 150 feet was the beach. It was 90 degrees and the Mexican sun made the sand hot under our feet. However, a gentle breeze kept us comfortable otherwise. On the beach we rented a cabana, which is little more than a thatched umbrella, table and beach chairs. There, we sat and enjoyed one of those big tropical drinks that has fruit on the edge of the glass and a small umbrella of its own. Staring out into the bay from my chair, was possibly the most serene feeling I have had in all my life. There were many people around and they were making plenty of noise, but my mind was absorbed with the natural beauty of this place. It was like none that I had ever seen before. Looking across the bay towards the mainland, with all its hustle and bustle, I felt as if I had found paradise. I had been to the ocean before, but only in the U.S. Bay waters are much calmer, and therefore much clearer-so clear, in fact, that at a depth of six feet I was able to see a penny. The color of the water is also amazingly different from ocean water. The intensity of the blue color is almost fluorescent. After we rested, we decided it was time to get wet, so we donned our snorkeling gear and entered the warm water. I had never snorkeled before, but it wasnt long before I felt comfortable. Most of our experience was in very shallow water and I dont think it was ever necessary to go down more than ten feet. The fish didnt seem to be bothered by our presence, and although I dont know what kind they were, I touched two of them, and there reaction was only to flip there tail. About forty feet out from the beach it was still only about seven or eight feet deep, and thats where the coral appeared. This is something that no television or video could do justice to. The vivid colors of the coral alone were enough to make this whole trip worth while. There were many different types of fish, most of them with vibrant colors, varying in size from the size of a silver dollar, to the size of a foot or more in length. If youve seen the salt water fish tanks in a pet store, you know of the vibrant co lors that I am talking about. But being in the water with these creatures of beauty, who seem to welcome your presence, is something that needs to be experienced to appreciate. Wading back towards shore, I have to say I was sorry that this part of the day was over. Back on the beach, a horn signaled the need to prepare for the trip across the bay. Fortunately, the boat which came to pick us up was not the same as the boat that dropped us off. This one had a glass bottom that enabled the passengers to observe everything beneath the boat. There was a experienced diver who was a part of the entertainment. He dived under the boat, and as we watched in awe, he grabbed the tail of a seven foot shark, pulling himself close enough to the sharks head to be bitten, and he then began to pet the shark as if it were only a puppy. Other antics were included with a couple of other fish as we made our way back to the mainland. Once on shore we headed back to our hotel just in time to see yet another splendor, an Acapulco sunset! We made our way to the roof of the hotel, so that we could get a panoramic view. The rainbow of colors in the sky was more than you could see in any painting, no matter who the artist. There were hues of peach to deep orange, pale pink to deep fusia and purple. Gold was entwined throughout, and the sun itself was like a ball of fire. The colors kept changing, as if an artist was continually trying to improve on its beauty. The sunset lasted about twenty minutes, but the colorful streaks in the sky remained vivid for another half hour. I have never seen a magnificent sunset like this ever before. Seven years have passed now since that trip. In that time I have seen many beautiful places, but none have made as profound an impression on me as that little island in Acapulco Bay.

Popular American Culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Popular American Culture - Essay Example Other significant influences came from different parts of Europe. Countries from which large numbers of people immigrated these include Ireland, Germany, Poland, and Italy. American culture holds a significant pressure on the cultures of its neighbors in the World. The cultural divisions in United States depend on a number of factors such as social class, political orientation, ancestral traditions, sex and sexual orientation. Well every country’s culture plays an important part in the decision making of the people who live in that country or belong to that country. For example while I make any decisions the first aspect would be to keep in mind the benefits of my country and to respect the norms and believes of my culture, every other aspect would be secondary to that. The United States is a country that has evolved its culture by a mixture of several cultures hence the popular culture keeps changing. For example looking at the music industry of United States, for a long time pop music was very famous and continued to be a trend but right now Rap has taken its place. People prefer to listen to artists like Akon, Eminem and 50 cents on the other hand Rock music will always live, it’s like an evergreen trend. Hollywood has become a famous place not only in United States but also all over the world and the movies launched and made their have become a popular trend in the United States. Comics have also become a trend in the United States comics having super heroes have had a major impact on the people.

Nonverbal Communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Nonverbal Communication - Essay Example Nonverbal communication is used because it offers a number of advantages which the verbal communication does not. Nonverbal communication provides an individual with more safety and freedom of expression in quite a lot of places. Individuals’ moods and body language are the primary controllers of interaction among them. One sentence can be perceived in several different ways depending upon the way it has been said. Hence, nonverbal communication often directs the verbal communication and plays a very important role in the development of understanding among the interacting people. There are a lot of differences between the way nonverbal communication is used by men and women. This paper explores the subject of nonverbal communication from different aspects and identifies the differences between the non-textual nonverbal communication of men and women. Nonverbal communication, as the name implies, is a communication that is anything but verbal. â€Å"[N]onverbal communication i nvolves those nonverbal stimuli in a communication setting that are generated by both the source [speaker] and his or her use of the environment and that have potential message value for the source or receiver [listener]† (â€Å"Non-Verbal Communication†). In the simplest words, it is unspoken communication (Butler). This means that nonverbal communication is inclusive of text messages, emails, and other more complication and indirect ways of communication like the one through body language. Nonverbal communication through text often takes place when the communication people can not see one another face-to-face. However, in order to communicate through the body language or gestures, it is imperative that the communicating people can see one another. Technology is the most essential prerequisite of doing the nonverbal communication through text. Exchanging text messages, writing and reading emails, and chatting require mobile phones and/or computers with Internet connect ion to take place. The most fundamental element that makes the nonverbal communication different, and in a way, superior to the verbal communication is the fact that nonverbal communication broadcasts an individual’s true intentions and feelings to others and allows the individual an insight into the other person’s heart (â€Å"Improving your nonverbal†). There is a lot of disparity in the nonverbal communication of men and women specially on grounds of nonverbal immediacy or attitudes which cause the people to be close psychosocially. Attitudes included in the nonverbal immediacy include but are not limited to eye contact, gesturing, close proximity, smiling, vocal inflections, orientation of the body as well as touching during communication. Women rely on the nonverbal communication more than men do. One reason for this is the fact that men are braver and hence, more straight forward as compared to the women. In other words, men make use of metaphors in places where women feel more comfortable with using the similes. Men say whatever they feel on the face while women generally adopt more indirect ways of expressing their emotions, which is complicated not only for them, but also equally complicated for the listener to comprehend. Men’s ways to communicate non-verbally are more through deeds than gestures which women make use of to communicate non-verbally. This is particularly evident in the times of conflict. For example, a man may make use of his power or relations to get an individual unemployed just to tell him/her that he/she has made a big mistake by messing with a man of such huge power and significance in the society. On the other hand, a woman who is agitated to the same level as this man may just refuse to interact with the offender in an attempt to convey the message that she did

Security Practitioners Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Security Practitioners - Essay Example The whole procedure of software/application development is usually guided by a systematic software/application developing method that includes the following phases. The first step is evaluating the weaknesses of the existing software by interviewing the users; the second phase is where the new system is defined which takes care of the deficiencies in the old model. The third phase involves designing of the proposed system, in this phase, strategies are put in place regarding the physical development, hardware, operating system, programming, communication and security matters, the fourth phase is the development of the new software, in this phase, the users are also trained on its use. In addition its performance capabilities are also tested, if need be, adjustments are made at this stage. The next phase is putting the software into use where it can be phased in by gradually removing the old system or removing the old system at once and replacing it with the new system. ... This forms the basis of handling future projects whereby the background knowledge endowed to the students (what they learnt at school) is fundamental in enhancing their skills. A major challenge through this form of learning is that the security part, which is very critical in any software, is usually left to the professional to handle it therefore denying software development learners a chance to have an intensive hands on experience in software security. Software developer training and learning involves certification in SAS certified base programmer and SAS certified advanced programmer which are very important especially to programmers who deal with business applications and software. The other relevant certifications include Siebel, Oracle and Microsoft (McGraw, 82). Due to the rise in cybercrimes, it is vital for security training to be undertaken to ensure that all the information is safeguarded. To enhance security, IP filtering is necessary to ensure that specific information is only available at restricted areas; the students should b taught on the same though practical lesson by working alongside professionals while undertaking such assignments. Software developers learning has not been much concerned about the security of the applications that they make since their training involves creating applications with little attention to security issues of the software. This can be explained by the fact that the curriculum that is used in formal training institutions was made when there were few security threats therefore it did not put into account training in security. However, with increased security concerns, there has been a change in the tread with most software

Laws and Regulations on Foreign Trade Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Laws and Regulations on Foreign Trade - Essay Example We have reached a stage when it is no longer possible to ask whether or not we should take part in globalization, but rather, what can we do to mitigate its possible risks (if any) and take advantage of its myriad benefits In the United States, however, especially during these times of recession, outsourcing has been a way out for companies to stay afloat. These companies want to take advantage of the cheap labor costs in the developing world, as well as the cheap resources. However, the problem is that the countries where these commodities and services are outsourced often do not have very stringent quality control standards. Many of them do not comply with basic environmental guarantees and health rules. The United States has very stringent policies with regard to environmental and health protection. Care must be given that harmful chemicals are not used in the commodities so that they do not pollute the atmosphere or compromise the health of those who purchase the product. However, when the production of the commodities is done outside the United States, then a number of problems surface. The regulations tend to be more relaxed, and since the workers are being paid less, it is hard to impose qualit y control and ensure consistency of outcomes. This paper will discuss two consequences of improper quality control standards that result from a lack of regulations. These are: environmental regulations, health regulations and labor regulations. The United States Environmental Protection Agency was created in 1970 and is responsible for setting and monitoring standards of pollution in both air and water, and hazardous wastes and chemicals. Its EPA regulations – regulations which ensure compliance with the set environmental standards and procedures laid down by law – see to it that corporations do not add to the pollution in the environment and do not cause a

Graduate Schools Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Graduate Schools - Research Paper Example This essay stresses that graduate schools equip students to think with a high degree of open-mindedness. Graduates are not fixed in their thinking. They are open to debates and are quite flexible with respect to decision making. They are able to recognize and assess situations critically, make assumptions, implications and practical consequences of their actions. Accordingly, they act after assessing situations with sharp and open minds. This paper makes a conclusion that graduates also master great communication, human relations and communication skills. They go through intensive theoretical and practical learning that transforms them into useful assets in the society. They are relied upon to figure out solutions to complex problems at individual, group and societal levels. This is because the graduate schools have equipped them with knowledge and skills to solve such complex problems. Think tanks in virtually all fields of knowledge come from graduate schools. Whether in the field of medicine, technology, religion, humanities and social sciences, the leading brains are produced from the graduate schools. Strategic global thinkers with diversified knowledge and skills come from these graduate schools. From the foregoing, graduate schools play very significant roles towards the growth and development of the society. They contribute to research and development in economics, politics, social sciences, cultural aspects and religion. The society needs graduate schools to do research, enhance global competition and build a very vibrant economy

The Stoning of Soraya M Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Stoning of Soraya M - Essay Example As of 2010, the film had averaged over one million dollars in Box Office and received several awards and nomination to awards.The movie depicts a woman’s life in Sharia governed Iran. The film is directed by Cyrus Nowrasteh and distributed by Roadside Attraction; the book La Femme Lapidà ©e has since been banned in Iran. According to the book, La Femme Lapidà ©e, Ghorban Ali Soraya’s husband wanted to marry a fourteen-year-old girl though he does not want to return Soraya’s dowry nor take the burden of living with two wives. Ali a treacherous prison guard comes up with a scheme to get rid of his wife Soraya M. As the story unfolds, Ali coheres with corrupt village authorities and a widower who Soraya is working for at the time. Soon Ali starts spreading rumors about his wife’s unfaithfulness claiming that she has participated in zinah (adultery). Shortly, Ali drags Soraya out of the house and starts beating her up claiming that she has participated in zi nah. The village authorities soon convene a kangaroo court and Soraya is quickly convicted after the widower corroborates Ali’s story. Eventually Soraya is stoned to death pursuant to Sharia Law that does not condone adultery. Though Ali is now free to marry the fourteen year old girl, he is unable due to his failure to secure the release of the girl’s father from prison.... Freidoune Sahebjam tapes the story with the hope that he can tell it to the whole world. According to Zahra’s tale, Soraya was innocent and was a victim of treachery and inflexible religious ideals. Ali, a prison guard is a man full of perfidy and is abusive to his wife Soraya. He tries to convince the village Mullah to talk to his wife so that Soraya can grant him divorce. All along, Ali’s aim is to have Soraya divorce him so that he can marry a younger wife. Ali has gone ahead and made a deal with the girl’s father who has assured him that if he is able to save him from execution, he will have his young daughter’s hand in marriage (Iran on death penalty, 2013). The village Mullah equally as treacherous and corrupt as Ali tries to seek sexual favors from Soraya under the pretence that he will take care of her and her children. Soon Ali, the village Mullah and the mayor convince Zahra to talk to Soraya so that she can work for a particular widower. Soraya agrees to work but for a fee. Using threats and duplicity, Ali and the village Mullah eventually, manage to manipulate the widower into backing their story that Soraya has committed zinah. According to Sharia, the burden of proof that a person has committed zinah is usually hard and only the widower could have secured it in the case of Soraya (The Koran and adultery, 2006). Soon a rumor is rife that Soraya is unfaithful to Ali and has committed zinah. As the story unfolds, Ali beats up Soraya drugging her through the streets claiming that she is an adulterous woman. Zahra intervenes and asks Ali, the village Mullah, and the town’s mayor to convene at her house to discuss this issue in length. The town’s mayor and the Mullah eventually convene at

Distinctive toys and games Essay Example for Free

Distinctive toys and games Essay The claim that childhood as we know it is essentially a creation of the 20th century. is led by Phillippe Aries, a French historian, he carried out detailed studies of the developing nature of childhood and family in France and England from pre-modern to modern times. He suggests that childhood, as we know it, meaning the idea of a child individuality, separate from adults is basically the creation of the 20th century. His argument was that in previous times children were effectively miniature adults, and were treated as such. Historical sociologists pointed out how in the past games and play were not separate childhood activities but things in which adults engaged in too, and that they took interest in dolls houses and dresses, and model soldiers. Childhood is actually something, which is exclusive to our own culture and times. Children were part of the adult world with the progress of industrialisation they have been pushed into a specific category and are thought of and considered different to adults. Factors of the problem originated in the middle classes including religious reasons, humanitarian reasons, the need to produce future workers who were numerate and literate, the need to get children off streets and give them a moral upbringing. However it was the working class who confronted moves to remove children from jobs and move them towards compulsory education. Many families were dependent on extra wages, which were brought in by children, to stave of poverty. However can we trust Aries evidence as it is all secondary data and paintings of people who were royalty or rich women not of ordinary people. Childhood in the 21st century is different from childhood in the 16th century or working class childhood in the 19th century. There used to be a large number of orphans, which meant that many children had to look after themselves.  Aries believes that childhood is not just a biological state associated with immaturity and adolescence, it is also a social experience, which differs from one historical period to another. Aries and Lawrence Stone suggest that in medieval society the idea of childhood and adolescence, as independent categories to adults did not exist. Children were considered little adults. They took part in the same work and play activities as adults. They didnt have distinctive toys and games, we now take for granted as childish things. Children were not considered as special as is today. People were indifferent to them even unfriendly. This was probably due to high infant mortality. One quarter or more infants did not survive their first year compared with less than one per cent of infants in the West today. Stone argues a similar view he suggests that pre-industrial families were a unit of production working on land or occupied in crafts together. Children were prepared to help parents from a very young age. Those who did not help with household production usually left to become servants or apprentices. After industrialisation there is some evidence that these attitudes towards children continued, especially in the working class where children were repeatedly found to be increasing family income by working in factories, mines and mills. The middle-class attitudes towards children started to change in this period, when there was a growth in parental and marital love in middle-class families and as infant mortality rate started to fall, although there was a growth in the authoritarian power of fathers.

The Third Gender The Hijra Sociology Essay

The Third Gender The Hijra Sociology Essay In western culture, gender and sex have been described under two distinct realms-male and female. These identities to some are determined solely biologically, and many are oblivious to the fact that in many cultures, different genders are present. One of the most prominent third genders is based in South Asia, specifically India. Known as the hijra, they have grown to become a prominent and well-known member of Indian society, but have suffered from discrimination and have struggled for their basic fundamental rights. Based in India, the hijra are physiological males who identify themselves as females at an early age, wearing womens clothing and performing stereotypical female gender roles. Indian society refers to the hijra as a third gender. They are not female nor male, but a separate entity who carries their own culture, values and traditions. In relation to the western world, the closest form to the hijra would be known as a transgender. The hijras trace their origins back to the religious era of the deity Ram. As told in the Ramayana epic, just before his sojourn into the wilderness, Ram instructed all men and women who had come to see him off to return to their village. The hijras, being neither men nor women stayed at Rams point of departure until his return years later. Upon seeing their devotion, Ram blessed them and promised them the right to rule during the final age of mankind (Amisha_2010:835). As religion is a major aspect of Indian culture, much of the hijras history is based off the Indian polytheistic religious era. As religion is of great importance to the hijra, this event historically marked their first interaction with the Indian gods. Many hijra undergo a painful castration process known as nirvan to officially identify as a hijra. This process of the upmost importance as it ends with the new hijra embracing the femininity he has identified himself with his entire life. The process has been documented: His transformation is nearly complete as he prostrates his naked body before the murti of Bahuchara Mata, praying for her blessings. When he stands, his chela (guru) will complete the ceremony with two swift slices of the long blade, permanently severing his manhood. The remaining blood that gushes from the cut is considered the last of the male part. Hot sesame seed oil will be poured over the open wound, which will later be prodded repeatedly to ensure that the urethra remains open. No anesthesia or surgical tools are available, for it is believed that medically performed castration would diminish the spiritual experience of the ritual. (Patel_2010:835) Once the castration process is completed, the hijras both physically and spiritually feel as though they have transformed themselves. As the hijra undergo a physical transformation, they also follow a strict household structure. Members of the gharana, the communal hijra household, ardently support the hijra code. The hijras maintain the basic family hierarchy. The GWU report states, An elder naik oversees the basic running of the household, and chelas initiate hijras and turn over a portion of their earnings for household expenses. In addition, all hijras pay a fee to the jamat, or congregation of hijra house leaders recognized within the larger community. (Patel_2010:836) Many houses are situated relatively close together. As much of Indian society and culture rejects the hijra, the hijra feel it is necessary to isolate themselves from the mainstream culture. Not only does this give the hijra a sense of community, but it also preserves their security and safety. Despite these protective measures, hijras remain a marginalized group in a country that continues to ostracize them. India is two-sided in its social perception of the hijra lifestyle. As a community, Indian society treats hijras with a combination of fascination, revulsion, and fear (Patel_2010:836). As a means of survival, hijras predominantly participate in begging and prostitution. For a small fee, they also perform badhai-local families sometimes welcome them into their homes to bless auspicious births or weddings (Patel_2010:836). For the most part, however, sex work is the most profitable option for the hijra. As a result, Indias hijras struggle as an ostracized social class, subject to gender violence and various other human rights violations. There are very few domestic policies protecting hijras. Although there have been recent pushes for their rights, few have been successful. The hijra have struggled to enjoy the basic human rights many Indians enjoy. Most importantly, Indian law does not recognize them as a third gender. This denies them the right to vote, the right to own property, the right to marry and the right to claim formal identity through any official documents such as a passport or driving license. Accessing healthcare, employment or education becomes almost impossible. In the face of such odds they are forced to earn money any way they can (Harvey_2008:html1). Hijras are regularly robbed and sexually assaulted on the street at the hands of gangs and other local thugs. A hijra who served as chairperson of a human rights organization said, We have no constitutional rights. That is the problem. We dont have voting rights; often we cannot get housing. This is not allowing us to have an identity of our own (Harvey_2008:html1). Reports show however, that attitudes are gradually beginning to change. An initial difficulty in addressing the rights of sexual minorities is in recognizing the differences between the concepts of sex and gender. Sex, by definition, operates within the classic binary biological model, in which the human species is clearly divided into neat categories of either male or female (Patel_2010:836). Gender, however, is a more inclusive term, which includes social constructs of personal belief and sexuality that have deeper meaning than the traditional biological sex distinction (Patel_2010:836). In addition, the classic Western binary models of sex-male and female-and sexuality-homosexual and heterosexual-do not fit neatly into Indias traditional concepts of gender and identity. As a result, hijras are the unknown-the intersex gender between male and female in India. Although the hijra have been ostracized for many years, conditions are slowly starting to improve. As technology and media communication have vastly improved in India, more people are beginning to not only notice the presence of the Hijra, but also appreciate it. The Hijra have formed unions to organize protests for their human rights and will continue to fight for legislation until they are satisfied. India has taken many steps toward recognizing transgender rights. In recent years, hijras have become increasingly visible in the political arena. After gaining the right to vote in 1994, a few have held political office in various states in India, and often have the support of religiously affiliated majority parties as safe candidates. In 2000, Kamla Jaan, a hijra in the state of Madhya Pradesh, was elected mayor of Katni after running as an indepen- dent. Indian society perceives hijras as un-entrenched political candidates-secular, casteless, and asexual-simultaneously able to understand the plight of the downtrodden and able to gather the support of outsiders. Furthermore, mainstream society has recast these candidates as embodiments of respect and morality, above traditional corruption that permeates Indian politics. As a result of their improved prominence, India has taken some effective measures in acknowledging the legal status of hijras. For example, there are three distinct gender classification choices available on the Indian Passport-ma le, female, and others' (Patel_2010:836). In addition, the prominence of hijras in the media has fostered increased social acceptance of transgendered individuals. Thus far, the state of Tamil Nadu seems the most accepting. There, a transsexual hosts a local talk show called Ippadikku Rose. The state also hosts an annual transgender festival to facilitate accept- ance of hijras into mainstream society. In addition, hijras are making appearances in the fashion industry, and recent Bollywood films portray them in a positive light. In 1994, the South Indian film Tamanna portrayed the life of a hijra who saves a young girl from life on the streets and later adopts her. In 2008, a hijra was cast as the first transgender in the country with a lead role in a mainstream Tamil movie. Despite receiving some recognition and social acceptance, hijras remain an ostracized and differentiated social class. Hijras struggle to reconcile their physical visibility with the invisibility of their community as a whole. In the end, however, community invisibility makes hijras susceptible to gender violence and other human rights abuses. By creating and recognizing transgender rights, India has the capacity to battle its current HIV/AIDS epidemic in a meaningful way, give real effect to the human rights of sexual minorities, and serve as a model for other nations to recognize gender-based rights. In order to accomplish these goals, however, India must repeal current discriminatory laws and enact equal opportunity legislation on the basis of gender and sexuality. In order for there to be meaningful change, formal legislation must be passed, and with the help of the human rights activists and unions, the legislation could very well happen. Works Consulted Amisha, R. P. (2010). INDIAS HIJRAS: THE CASE FOR TRANSGENDER RIGHTS[dagger]. The George Washington International Law Review, 42(4), 835-863. Nick Harvey http://www.newstatesman.com/world-affairs/2008/05/hijras-indian-changing-rights (Hijras Indian Changing Rights) The Hijras of India http://lisa.cs.duke.edu/~john/finalproject/ Khan, S. I., Hussain, M. I., Parveen, S., Bhuiyan, M. I., Gourab, G., Sarker, G. F., . . . Sikder, J. (2009). Living on the extreme margin: Social exclusion of the transgender population (hijra) in bangladesh. Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition, 27(4), 441-51. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.proxy.library.vanderbilt.edu/docview/202996682?accountid=14816