XLRI Jamshedpur hosts gender sensitization, POSH awareness session for staff

Jamshedpur, June 28: Upholding its commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive and empowering academic environment, XLRI – Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur, organized a Gender Sensitization and POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) Awareness Session under the aegis of its Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). The session, held at the XLRI Jamshedpur Campus, saw the enthusiastic participation of 146 attendees, including faculty and administrative staff from across the campus.

The session was led by Prof. Ayatakshee Sarkar, Convenor of the ICC and a certified POSH trainer, who took the participants through the core legal provisions, institutional responsibilities and ethical imperatives under the POSH Act, 2013. Her engaging presentation focused on key areas such as:

• Legal obligations of the ICC and its composition
• Confidentiality and due process in handling complaints
• Misconceptions around false complaints and evidence
• The evolving definitions and scope of sexual harassment, both offline and online
• Role of faculty and staff as ethical leaders and role models

Highlighting the importance of POSH compliance in academic institutions, Prof. Sarkar emphasized, “Every individual on campus plays a role in shaping a safe, respectful and supportive environment. POSH compliance isn’t just a legal mandate, it’s a shared moral responsibility.”

The session concluded with an open Q&A, during which several pertinent concerns were addressed with clarity and empathy, reinforcing trust in institutional mechanisms.

It is noteworthy that prior to this, students of various programs had undergone a parallel sensitization session led by other members of the ICC team. This reflects XLRI’s holistic approach in ensuring that all stakeholders—students, faculty and staff—are well-informed and aligned with the principles of dignity and mutual respect.

Through such proactive initiatives, XLRI continues to lead as a socially responsible, values-driven institution that prioritizes not just academic excellence, but the well-being and empowerment of its entire community.