Awareness key to building harassment-free workplaces

Port Blair: Creating a workplace where every employee feels safe, respected and heard begins with awareness of rights, responsibilities and the law. With this objective, a sensitization and training programme on the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act) was organised to strengthen awareness and reinforce the commitment to a harassment-free work environment.The programme focused on familiarising employees with the provisions of the POSH Act, highlighting the rights of women employees, the responsibilities of all staff members, and the mechanism available for redressal of complaints. Resource persons explained the legal framework, the role of the Internal Committee, complaint procedures, and the importance of confidentiality, fairness and timely action in addressing cases of workplace harassment.Participants were urged to remain vigilant, respectful and proactive in promoting an inclusive workplace culture based on dignity, equality and mutual respect. The session stressed that preventing sexual harassment is not merely a legal obligation but a shared responsibility of every employee, irrespective of designation.The programme also underscored the need for employees to be fully aware of both their rights and responsibilities under the POSH Act, while emphasising that every individual has a vital role to play in fostering a workplace free from sexual harassment, discrimination and intimidation.The interactive session concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to creating a safe, respectful and gender-sensitive workplace where every employee can work with confidence and dignity.