To ensure working women are safe at their workplace, a workshop on Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, Redressal) Act 2013, was jointly organised by the office of the North Garo Hills district social welfare and the district administration in at Resubelpara circuit house today.
Cases of sexual harassment have been on the rise and is a matter of concern, said Superintendent of Police, AT Sangma who spoke as the resource person during the programme. He expressed his concern about the rising cases of sexual violence against women where he dwelt at length on Crimes against women, penalties under IPC, 1860, disciplines and conduct rules under the Meghalaya service (conduct) rules, 1990 including fair procedure and relevant provisions under sexual harassment of women at Workplace (SHWWP) Act 2013.
Speaking on gender discrimination and types of sexual harassment at workplace, Legal cum Probation Officer, Deuterina Sangma said “despite the existence of the SHWWP, Act 2013, women continues to suffer sexual harassment at workplace in the forms of quid pro quo, which means seeking sexual favours in return for work benefits and hostile work environment where a woman employee is put in an unfavorable condition simply because she is a woman”.
She pointed that the number of sexual harassment cases is escalating due to lack of awareness on SHWWP, Act. She further added that cases of sexual harassment should be reported and the victim should seek legal remedy as prescribed under the law.
Earlier, CD Arengh, in-charge DSWO in his introductory remark highlighted the provisions under SHWWP, Act, 2013.
The participants of the programme were Deputy Commissioner, RP Marak, Additional Deputy Commissioner, ZJ Sangma, heads of various line officials and members of NGOs.
Meanwhile, a similar workshop was also held at the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Hall in Mawkyrwat under South West Khasi Hills District.
Additional Deputy Commissioner, S.C. Laloo highlighted about the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal), Act 2013 while Deputy Superintendent of Police, S Paslein spoke on the definition of sexual harassment and how a complaint can be lodged and District Legal Services panel lawyer, N Hashah on the legal aspects.
In East Jaiñtia Hills District the workshop was held at Dkhiah West community hall which was attended by the District Social Welfare officer, R Passah, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) advocate, B Shylla and others.
The 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, Jaiñtia Eastern College, Khliehriat.
