CII-DLL organise workshop on sexual harassment at workplaces

The Confederation of Indian Industry in collaboration with Department of Lifelong Learning, University of Jammu today organised one day workshop on “Prevention of Sexual Harassment at workplaces (POSH)” for Mission Directors, Joint Directors, CDPO’S and Deputy Directors of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Department of Social Welfare, Jammu. Among those who were also present at the occasion included Ms. Shabnam Kamili, State Mission Director, ICDS, Mr Atul Gupta, Dy. Director, ICDS, Dr Rewa Khajuria, Counsellor, University of Jammu, Ms Mehak Mahajan, Executive CII etc.

Dr. Kavita Suri, Director and Head, Department of Lifelong learning, University of Jammu who is also former Member, Jammu and Kashmir State Commission for the Protection of Women and Child Rights, J&K govt, was the key resource speaker for the workshop. Dr Suri discussed in detail women’s issues including gender, sex and sexual harassment at workplaces and stated that workplace harassment, intimidation, bullying or coercion including that of a sexual nature is becoming common day by day as more women are coming out to work. Dr. Suri focussed on zero-tolerance, discrimination and harassment-free work environment to all employees with a well drafted action plan for handling harassment Claims. She also, presented several impressive visuals and video clippings reflecting the mind sets of the society on sexual harassment of women.

Dr Savita Nayar, Associate Professor from Department of Law, University of Jammu deliberated on “Constitutional equality and Vishakha Judgement: Supreme Court guidelines”. She addressed on Sociological and legal aspects of POSH, POSH Act 2013 and said it aims to prevent prohibit and redress sexual harassment at workplaces in India.

Ms. Shabnam Kamili, State Mission Director, ICDS, J&K while applauding CII’s efforts and thanking DLL, she said, we feel it is very important to strengthen women’s role and participation in the economic and community affairs, by enhancing the frequency of such sensitization programmes at regular intervals. It becomes our utmost responsibility to keep sexual harassment at bay for a constructive work culture.

The workshop had a questions and answers session in which all the panelists and participants had a freewheeling session on this sensitive issue