AALO, SEP 7:

The Department of Women and Child Development, West Siang, organised an awareness programme here on Monday on laws and mechanisms aimed at protecting women from domestic violence and sexual harassment at the workplace.

The programme covered the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, commonly known as the POSH Act, and SHE-Box, an online platform for reporting and redressal of workplace sexual harassment complaints.

Participants were sensitised on the legal safeguards available to women, prevention of workplace harassment and the importance of maintaining a safe, respectful and harassment-free environment.

The programme also highlighted Section 4 of the POSH Act concerning the constitution of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs). Participants were informed about the role and responsibilities of ICCs in receiving, addressing and ensuring appropriate redressal of sexual harassment complaints in accordance with the Act.

The department emphasised the importance of awareness of women’s rights, legal remedies and institutional grievance-redressal mechanisms, while stressing collective responsibility in preventing violence and harassment against women.

The Department of Women and Child Development urged all concerned departments and organisations to ensure effective implementation of the POSH Act, including the constitution or reconstitution of ICCs wherever required.

The programme concluded with a call for greater awareness, vigilance and coordinated efforts to ensure a safe and dignified environment for women at home and in the workplace.