A Workshop on ‘Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace (POSHA)’ was organised by World Trade Centre Mumbai in association with Employers’ Federation of India. Mr. Vinay Kirloskar, Vice President (HR), Reliance Industries said, “Every organisation must have an action plan and checklist to include standing orders, ethics policy, preventive steps, comprehensive awareness mechanism, penal consequences of sexual harassment, anti – sexual harassment drive, grievance redressal, complaint procedure, expected time taken to resolve and other elements to effectively address sexual harassment at workplace”.

Mr. Vijay Kalantri, Vice Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Centre Mumbai shared, “It is important to provide women who have the best of talent and skills, with equal opportunities, respect and dignity. He suggested to prepare a White Paper on the ‘benefits and opportunities for women at workplace’ with all institutes and associations.

“Sexual Harassment is like an Epidemic, prevailing not only in India, but world over,” said Ms. Samriti Makkar Midha, Psychologist (Clinical) and Corporate Trainer. She highlighted differences in people’s perception, comfort level, mindset, culture, experience, understanding, boundaries, etc. in context of sexual harassment. She described types of sexual harassment which are offensive conduct and spoils work culture of the organisation.

Ms. Shivangi Prasad, Legal Advisor explained the responsibilities of employers. She suggested that every organisation an Anti – Sexual Harassment Policy should be formulated in the presence of an Internal Committee to cater to cases pertaining to sexual harassment. Trainings and workshops must be conducted for employees in order to create awareness.

Ms. Sana Hakim, Criminal Lawyer explained the role of an Internal Committee set up by an organisation to address POSHA and added that actions such as suspension, transfers, withheld appraisals, etc. should be taken and suggested that actions be imposed as per the situation. She introduced the recently-added sections under the Indian Penal Code namely, Sexual Harassment, Assault or Criminal Force with intention to disrobe, Voyeurism, Eve teasing, Stalking and Acid Attack.

Mr. Vijay Padate, Director General, Employers’ Federation of India remarked the ideal policy of an organisation should include taking claims seriously followed by quick investigation, fair and transparent process and swift as well as decisive action. He emphasised that the Law against Sexual Harassment at Workplace would foster good employee relationships.

Top Photo: Ms. Shivangi Prasad, Ms. Sana Hakim, Mr. Vijay Kalantri, Mr. Vijay Padate, Ms. Samriti Makkar Midha and Mr. Y. R. Warerkar.

Below Photo: Mr. Vinay Kirloskar addressing the audience.