The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013 was enacted by the Government of India to address the violation of fundamental rights. Articles 14 and 15 guarantee a woman’s right to equality, while Article 21 ensures her right to live with dignity. This act extended the Vishaka Guidelines, recognizing sexual harassment at the workplace as a human rights violation.
In accordance with the University Grants Commission (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women Employees and Students in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2015, which align with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, our institute established an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)
Role of ICC:
Registering and addressing complaints of sexual harassment to protect victims’ dignity within the institution.
Promoting gender sensitization among students, staff, and faculty through sensible measures.
Conducting workshops and activities on gender awareness and types of sexual harassment.
Ensuring a safe environment for women employees and students through awareness programs and posters.
Handling complaints impartially in accordance with the provisions of the POSH Act.
Developing women’s leadership skills through workshops and seminars.
Encouraging transparent discussions with faculty members on gender issues and addressing complaints under the mentor-mentee system.
Identification of Sexual Harassment:
Includes unwelcome physical, verbal, or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature.
Encompasses demands for sexual favors, sexually colored remarks, physical advances, and showing pornography.
Also involves behavior with explicit or implicit sexual undertones, such as promises or threats related to employment status and creating an offensive work environment.
