Awareness Session on Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) at Workplace
Objectives of the Activity:-
- To sensitize students, faculty, and non-teaching staff about the meaning, forms, and impact of sexual harassment at the workplace.
- To enhance understanding of the legal framework, including the POSH Act, 2013, UGC POSH Regulation, 2015 the role of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), and the rights and responsibilities of all stakeholders.
- To promote a safe, respectful, and gender-sensitive environment by encouraging preventive measures, ethical conduct, and bystander awareness.
- To strengthen awareness about reporting mechanisms, support systems, and institutional procedures for ensuring effective redressal of complaints
Description: –
Sardar Patel Subharti Institute of Law organized an Awareness Session on Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace under the guidance of Hon’ble Justice Rajesh Chandra, Director, with the objective of sensitizing students, faculty, and non-teaching staff about the forms of sexual harassment, legal provisions under the POSH Act 2013, and UGC POSH Regulation 2015 and the role of the Internal Complaints Committee in ensuring a safe and respectful campus. The session aimed to promote gender sensitivity, responsible behaviour, and awareness of reporting mechanisms. The event was conducted as part of the 16 Days of Activism for Ending Gender- Based Violence (25th November–10th December 2025), reinforcing the institution’s commitment to a safe and inclusive environment. The session was addressed by, Prof. (Dr.) Reena Bishnoi, who has also served as the former Presiding Officer of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), she provided an explanation of the UGC Guidelines on POSH 2015 in higher educational institutions, she also emphasized the structure, role, and functioning of the University’s ICC to ensure participants clearly understood the available support and reporting mechanisms. Additionally, she discussed the issue of false or malicious complaints, explaining how such cases are assessed and addressed under the provisions of the POSH Act. A few students also shared their views on POSH, reflecting their understanding of the Act and emphasizing the importance of creating a respectful and safe environment on campus. Additionally, the students were sensitized on important digital and emergency support mechanisms for women’s safety. They were made aware of the Sexual Harassment Electronic (She) Box portal, with emphasis on its role in enabling working women to confidentially and confidently report incidents of sexual harassment at the workplace and seek effective redressal. Further, awareness was raised about key emergency support services, including the Emergency Response Support System Number (112) and the Women Helpline (181), to ensure timely access to emergency and non-emergency assistance. Akey activity was also conducted the “Green Flag and Red Flag” to clearly distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate workplace conduct.
- Activity Highlights: – Green Flag and Red Flag🔴
This activity helped participants identify behaviors that constitute a safe and professional environment (Green Flag) versus those that are inappropriate or constitute harassment (Red Flag). Activity concluded with the vote of thanks by Ms. Muskan Srivastava.
Outcomes of the Activity:-
- Students and staff gained enhanced awareness about sexual harassment, gender sensitivity, and the importance of maintaining a respectful and safe campus environment.
- Participants developed a clearer understanding of legal provisions under the POSH Act, 2013 and UGC POSH Regulation, 2015 including the functioning of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) and their rights and responsibilities.
- Attendees became familiar with the University’s reporting mechanisms, support systems, and the role of preventive measures in creating a harassment-free academic space.
- The session motivated participants to adopt responsible behaviour, promote zero tolerance towards harassment, and actively contribute to building a culture of dignity, safety, and accountability.
