National Commission for Women (NCW) organized a 2-day national program with the aim of making the law related to prevention of sexual harassment of women at workplace (POSH Act, 2013) more effective. Policy makers, members of the judiciary, legal experts, industry representatives, HR professionals and people associated with civil society from across the country participated in this program organized at Vigyan Bhawan on 17th and 18th July. Union Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi and NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar were present in the inaugural session of the program.
During the program, a detailed booklet was also released to ensure fair and transparent investigation of complaints under the POSH Act, which will act as guidance for internal and local committees. In this national consultation, there was special discussion on the challenges of the changing workplace. Emphasis was laid on the need to bring gig workers, platform based employees, people working from home and contract workers under the ambit of the law. Apart from this, sexual harassment through digital mediums, such as email, social media, virtual meetings and AI based content was also considered a serious issue.
POSH Act assures respect and safety of women
Women Commission Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar said that the POSH Act is not just a law but an assurance of respect and safety of women. He said that as workplaces are changing, it is necessary to update institutional mechanisms and policies.
At the same time, Union Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi said that every woman has the right to work with dignity and without fear and creating a safe work environment is the joint responsibility of governments, employers and institutions.
The report will be submitted to the central government
The program also emphasized that safe workplaces are created not just by laws but by awareness, accountability and institutional sensitivity. All participants stressed the need for better grievance redressal mechanisms, regular training and institutional reforms. Chairperson of the National Commission for Women said that the suggestions and recommendations received from this consultation will be prepared in the form of a detailed report and submitted to the Central Government, so that safe and respectful workplaces can be ensured for women across the country.
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