Workshop on sexual harassment of women at work place held in East Jaintia Hills District

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 9, 2021

The Office of the District Social Welfare Officer, East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat on Thursday organized a Workshop cum Awareness Programme on Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013 at Dkhiah West Community Hall, East Jaintia Hills District.

Addressing the gathering, R Passah, District Social Welfare Officer, East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat said that the workshop cum awareness programme is to sensitize the women in particular on the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013 and to create more awareness amongst people working in different offices, companies and institutions that sexual harassment does take place in our workplace but the victim has failed to report it or not taken seriously due to fear, ignorance of law or stigmatization. “During the awareness programme, the women will be educated about the Act and how to prevent and protect themselves from sexual harassment at their workplace”, she added.  

B Shylla, Advocate, District Legal Services Authority(DLSA), Khliehriat, while speaking on the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 said ” The Act will provide protection against sexual harassment of women at their workplace, and for prevention and redressal of complaints of Sexual Harassment”. She also stated that there are many cases of sexual harassment at workplaces that are unreported and urged the gathering to come forward, complain and report it to the concerned committee if they come across any such cases in their workplace. She further elaborated on several articles including Article 14 right to equality before the law, Article 21 right to life, Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code – Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty and Section 294 in the Indian Penal Code which deals with obscene acts and songs etc.

The other topics covered during the programme were “Mental Health Issues” by L Kyndiah, Counsellor, One Stop Centre (OSC), Khliehriat and “Women Empowerment” by S Phawa, Asst. Professor, Jaintia Eastern College, Khliehriat.