Sensitisation-cum-Awareness Programme on Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace

Chandigarh, November 29, 2022: As part of the ongoing activities undertaken for the 16 days of Activision Against Gender Based Violence, the Dept.-cum-Centre for Women’s Studies and Development, Panjab University, Chandigarh organized a Sensitisation-cum-Awareness Programme on Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace, which was attended by Staff, Research Scholars and students of the Department. 

During the course of the presentation.  Dr. Ameer Sultana sensitized the participants to the actions which have been defined as sexual harassment under the POSH Act, including implied or preferential physical contact or advances sexually coloured remarks, sharing pornography and so on.  The ILO definition of Sexual Harassment is even more elaborate and specific to which India is a signatory. She cautioned the participants to look for warning signs for sexual harassment which could include someone ignoring the personal boundaries, which could be physical or psychological, ignoring refusal, jealous and possessive person, making one feel guilty or pressurising to take alcohol or drugs. She continued that the moment one feel threatened or uncomfortable raise your voice. She recommended to the participants that they should be assertive as well as vigilant.

Communication is the key to avoiding a situation of Sexual Harassment and to make it clear that Sexual Harassment will not be tolerated. The participants were further sensitised to the process relating to filing a complaint under the Act. The session concluded with a short YouTube Video on consent and the participants pledging to abjure from sexual harassment.