Jamshedpur, June 2: CII Jharkhand organized an awareness workshop on sexual harassment of women at workplace at Centre for Excellence, near Jubilee Park on June 2 in an attempt to sensitize employers in MSME sector on this important subject.
Sanjay Sabherwal, Vice Chairman , CII Jamshedpur Zonal Council & Managing Director & CEO, Metaldyne Industries Limited said that till the time basic human dignity of women is not recognized and respected by men, no law will be effective. It is important that to guarantee zero tolerance for sexual harassment by employer at workplace .
Sunieta Ojha, advocate, Supreme Court of India and Partner- TRS Law Offices mentioned that Sexual Harassment is violation of the Right to equality and the right to live with dignity given by the constitution to all India.
The Vishakha Judgment in 1997 was a landmark that helped bring sexual harassment against women at the workplace under a law but it took 16 years to implement the law after the Nirbhaya case happened in 2013. Ms Ojha further discussed on sensitization on role and responsibilities of employer under sexual harassment of women at workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. She also talked about the roles and responsibilities of the employer along with setting up of internal complaint committee for this issue in an organization.
Ms. Ujwala Asundi Kumar, Convener Women Empowerment Panel, CII Jharkhand State Council & Board of Director EEFCO Metals &Powder Pvt Ltd. mentioned that the sense of security at the workplace will improve women’s participation in work, resulting in their economic empowerment and inclusive growth.
Divya Taneja, Director-After Market, Apex Corporation India Ltd said that all incidents of sexual harassment no matter how large or small or who is involved require employers or managers to respond quickly and appropriately and the organization must show commitment to this matter. Women should not fear to come forward with their problems and complaints.
Ms. R Santoshi, Head Human Resource , Jamipol Ltd said every organization should have an effective employment policy that should ensure well planned career paths based on merit to reduce the vulnerability of individuals and harassment by those who abuse their power and authority.
Ms. Rakhi Priya, Head Media & Marketing,Scra2ch Media Pvt Ltd highlighted the importance of this sensitive session and said there should be awareness among the staff members about sexual harassment and the consequences they may face if they indulge in such an act. They should know their social responsibilities to prevent such incident in their organization.
The sexual harassment of women at workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, extends to whole of India covering women working at all the work places, be it in public or private sector. It is mandatory to ensure that all women working (domestic/ company/Firm/contractor labour etc.) have a right to gender equality and right to work in a safe environment with dignity and right against sexual harassment.
According to the Act, there should be an Internals Complaints Committee to deal with any case reported on Sexual Harassment. In case the company is not able to provide justice, it is liable for punitive action if the woman decides to go to court. While most of the big organizations have implemented ICC and the Governance system, awareness about the Bill and its deployment is low.