Belagavi : Karnataka State Commission for Women chairperson Dr Nagalakshmi Chaudhary inaugurated a district-level training workshop and awareness programme on the POSH Act, 2013, at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha (SVS) on Monday. The programme was organised for officials and nominated members of various government initiatives to create greater awareness about the provisions of the law and ensure a safer working environment.
The workshop on the Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, 2013, was jointly organised by the Karnataka State Women’s Commission, Bengaluru, in collaboration with the district administration, zilla panchayat and the women and child development department. She said women could access support through helplines 181 and 112 and through WhatsApp-based assistance, and contact the commission for guidance regarding harassment, injustice or other issues. He said every organisation with 10 or more employees must constitute an ICC and ensure it functions actively to build confidence among women employees.
Speaking at the inaugural session held at the Central Hall of SVS, Dr Nagalakshmi said a conducive environment should be created for women to work with respect, dignity and safety. She stressed the need for women to be aware of their rights and said it was everyone’s responsibility to create an atmosphere where women could freely share their problems and seek help without fear or embarrassment. Dr Nagalakshmi said the idea of establishing a women’s commission emerged from the efforts of a woman from Rajasthan. Resource person Prashant Turamuri said the primary objectives of the POSH Act and the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) were to prevent sexual harassment at workplaces, create a safe and respectful environment for women, and effectively redress complaints.
The commission continues to work towards protecting the rights and safety of women and addressing issues such as child marriage and female foeticide.