CII hosts a session on Prevention of Sexual Harassment at workplace at Sentiss Pharma
newznew (Chandigarh) : Confederation of Indian Industry organised an awareness session on the ‘Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace’ at Sentiss Pharma Private Limited, Baddi. The session was organised with the aim to sensitise employees on the prevention and implications of sexual harassment at workplace and also how to ensure a harassment-free environment for employees. Dr Mandip Sharma, President and Founder Chairperson of Association of Women Entrepreneurs and Career Women of India (AWECWI), addressed the workshop.
Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 made effective in December 2013 by the Government of India (GOI), was enacted to ensure a safe working environment for the workforce.
Dr Mandip Sharma, President and Founder Chairperson of Association of Women Entrepreneurs and Career Women of India (AWECWI), said, “Many people mistakenly believe that harassment is limited to women. But, sexual violence can happen to anyone, no matter what the age. We usually perceive and see harassment related to women only and this is the reason that legislation is made only for women. However, this does not mean that men are far away from the evil of sexual harassment or even rape. Due to the lack of any legislation, cases pertaining men remain unreported, therefore, it is imperative to make sexual harassment laws gender-neutral in India.”
“There is also an urgent need for the management to be proactive towards dealing with sensitive cases and their responsibility in ensuring timely recording and reporting of information, and investigative procedures,” she added.
The interactive workshop focused on various kinds of sexual harassment prevalent in the corporate world through live case studies. The dos and donts from the employees’ and employers’ perspective were also shared with the participants. The session threw light on the employer’s responsibilities in creating a safe working environment.
Separate sessions were conducted for different levels of management.
Make sexual harassment prevention laws gender-neutral in India: Dr Mandip Sharma, President, AWECWI
