Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace – Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal cell
Pursuant to the Directives of ‘The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013 (“Act”), notified by the Ministry of Law and Justice which has come into effect from 23 April 2013, Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace -Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal cell is established in the college to uphold the dignity of women.
Objective: To provide protection against sexual harassment and for the prevention and redressal of complaints of sexual harassment.
Aim: To provide an environment which is free from sexual harassment and a methodical redressal forum for the victim.
- “Sexual harassment is considered as a violation of the fundamental right of a woman to equality as guaranteed under Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution of India (“Constitution”) and her right to life and to live with dignity as per Article 21 of the Constitution and right to practice any profession or to carry on any occupation, trade or business which includes a right to a safe environment free from sexual harassment.”
The College endeavor to provide safe environment for staff and students free from gender discrimination and sexual harassment of all forms. On receiving written complaint Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace shall address it immediately and undertake the inquiry. A grievance box is kept in the office for collecting the complaints.
Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace -Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal cell aims:
- To prevent sexual harassment and to promote the general well‐being of female students, teaching and non‐teaching women staff of the college.
- To provide appropriate working conditions in respect of work, leisure, health and hygiene.
- To provide guidelines for the redressal of grievances related to sexual harassment of female students, teaching and non‐teaching women staff of the College.
- To provide a platform for listening to complaints and redressal of grievances.
Definition of sexual harassment: According to the Supreme Court, sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexually determined behavior such as:
- Physical contact, gestures, or stalking
- A demand or request for sexual favors
- Sexually oriented remarks
- Showing pornography
- Use of electronic media (phone, internet, intranet) for perpetrating any of the above
- Any other unwelcome physical, verbal, or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature
ACTION:
- The victim can lodge a complaint in oral or in writing through email, by a telephone call or by writing an application to any of the members.
- The complainer’ s name and identity is kept confidential.
- Only victim / parents / heir can file a complaint.
- If it has been proved that the offender has indulged in sexual harassment, appropriate punitive action will be taking against them, irrespective of their status in the college whether staff, faculty or student.
PENALTIES AND PUNISHMENT FOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT
- The Cell may recommend the following penalties on a person found guilty of sexual harassment:
A student found guilty of sexual harassment shall be liable to receive the following penalties:
Minor Penalties:
(i) Warning
(ii) Written Apology
(iii) Bond of good behavior
(iv) Debarring entry into a hostel/campus/off‐campus
(v) Suspension for a specified period of time
(vi) Withholding results.
Major Penalties :
(i) Debarring from examinations for a specified period of time
(ii) Expulsion from college
An employee found guilty of sexual harassment shall be liable to receive the following penalties:
Minor Penalties:
(i) Warning, Reprimand or Censure
(ii) Fine
(iii) Withholding of increments or promotion
(iv) Suspension.
Under Section 12 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013; three months leave is provided to aggrieved women employees during the pendency of inquiry who have complained of sexual harassment or the charged government employee can be transferred to other department during the inquiry.
Advise to students: If anyone is being harassed:
- Don’t feel a sense of shame. Tell the harasser very clearly that you find his behavior offensive.
- Don’t ignore the harassment in the hope that it will stop on its own. Come forward and complain.
- Talk to somebody you trust about the harassment. It will not only give you strength but also help others in similar situations to come forward and complain.
Tips for improving women safety-In the current scenario we find multitudes of women marching towards success in their personal and professional lives. Behind the confidence and strength of these women lies the feminine grace that fights all the odds that come their way.
- Do not work alone in isolated areas of institution.
- Avoid working till late night.
- Behavior and conduct of driver should be checked during travelling alone.
- Must save help line numbers on mobiles and use it during emergency.
- Use latest Apps available for safety.
- Attend self defense workshop and legal awareness workshop.
- Put signed written compliant in women grievances redressal cell box.
- Counseling with cell members.
Vishaka Guidelines against Sexual Harassment in the Workplace