Awareness event held at Kathua to mark Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace Week

KATHUA, December 09: An awareness programme was today held in conference hall of DC Office complex  to mark the observance of Sexual Harassment at Workplaces Prevention Week . ADDC Ankur Mahajan presided over the proceedings.

The ADDC in her keynote address stressed on adopting zero tolerance policy against sexual harassment of women at the workplaces. She highlighted the importance of understanding the concept of being Gender sensitive and reminded the members of Gender Sensitization & Internal Complaints Committee and Gender Sensitization & Local Complaints Committee of their crucial role.

Ankur Mahajan called for convening a monthly meeting of the Local Complaint Committee besides creating awareness and continuous sensitization of the employees. “It is essential to put up banners/posters/notices in conspicuous places in the workplaces- defining sexual harassment and also about the composition and contact information of the members of the Complaints Committee” she added.

Earlier, Tehsilar HQ Aana Jamwal threw light on the scope of various provisions of Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, 2013.  She also discussed the dimensions and types of sexual harassment at workplace and explained its concept in detail with the help of practical anecdotes.

Anjisha (Central Administrator, One Stop Centre, Kathua) highlighted the importance of generating awareness on the pertinent issue of sexual harassment at workplaces and underscored the requirement of gender sensitization for both men and women. She also stressed that women in society are expected to perform multi-lateral roles, yet they have to face discrimination of various sorts in all walks of life. She also impressed that sustained confidence making efforts and preventive measures must be undertaken to ensure safety of women at workplaces.

Itika Mahajan (District Women Welfare Officer) briefed about the mandate of the Internal Complaint Committee required to be constituted in establishments having ten or more employees. Besides, complainant of Sexual Harassment in such offices having less than ten members can reach out to the concerned BDO, Tehsildar, EO MC which shall route the complaint to Local Complaint Committee. 

Advocate Sourav Mahajan also given insight of the legal provisions of the POSH Act and how through active participation of all stakeholders it can be implemented in its right spirit to discourage sexual harassment. 

Sushma Mahajan (Chairperson), Kusum Salaria (Member NGO), Prof. Shivani Kotwal (GDC Boys), Dr Rachana Bhagat (GDC Women),  Members of Internal Complaint Committees of different government and private establishments attended the programme.