Mangaluru: Effective workplace management is crucial for creating a safe and inclusive culture, particularly as the number of women in the workforce increases. Addressing workplace sexual harassment is mandatory, as failure to handle these issues properly can lead to a hostile and insecure work environment. To address these concerns, St. Aloysius PU College organized an awareness session on the POSH Act 2013 (Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace – Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal), the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), and the Child Protection Committee (CPC). The session was led by Dr. Reema Agnes Frank, Associate Professor (HR) at Manel Srinivas Nayak Institute of Management, and Ms. Nanditha Sunil, Assistant Professor at MSNIM.
Ms. Nanditha Sunil presented on the POSH Act, starting with alarming statistics about workplace sexual harassment in India, emphasizing that many cases go unreported and companies often fail to follow proper procedures. She highlighted the reasons behind women’s silence, including fear of retaliation and ostracism. Ms. Sunil detailed the history and formulation of the POSH Act, which took 16 years to implement despite constitutional guarantees of dignity and life for women. She explained the various forms of harassment, their impacts, and the key compliances required under the POSH Act, including the duties of employers and the workings of the ICC.
Dr. Reema Frank addressed inappropriate behavior and sexual harassment in both physical and digital workplaces. She outlined the ICC’s procedures for handling harassment cases, including the importance of evidence, written complaints, and maintaining confidentiality. Dr. Frank also discussed false and malicious complaints and detailed the penalties for non-compliance with the law.
Additionally, Dr. Frank covered child sexual abuse, including types, signs of abuse, and appropriate responses. She explained the duties of the CPC in protecting children.
The session concluded with a Q&A segment, where the resource persons addressed staff queries, emphasizing the importance of awareness and proactive measures to prevent workplace harassment. The College expressed gratitude to Dr. Reema Agnes Frank and Ms. Nanditha Sunil for their invaluable insights, which are expected to foster a culture of respect and dignity within the institution.