Tirath for successful implementation of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act

Women and Child Development Minister Krishna Tirath on Friday called upon society to come up and take collective initiatives for the successful implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.

She said this while inaugurating a workshop on Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace organised by Standing Conference on Public Enterprises (SCOPE), in collaboration with International Labour Organisation (ILO).

Tirath said that a new chapter has begun with the implementation of the Sexual harassment of women at workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.

"The Act casts responsibility on every employer to have an environment free of sexual harassment," she added.

Tirath said that sexual harassment reflects the patriarchal mindset and the gender bias in the society. Women are more likely to be victims of sexual harassment because of their vulnerability.

Quoting the Vishakha judgement by the Supreme Court, she said that it was an important development more than 16 years ago for the fundamental rights of women at workplace.

"The recent path breaking legislation by Government of India, the Sexual harassment of women at workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 provides comprehensive remedies and relief to victims of sexual harassment," she noted.

The Minister said that the Act not only defines Sexual harassment but also creates mechanism for redressal of complaints.

She highlighted some of the provisions of the Act like formation of Local complaint committee within the organisation, completion of enquiry within 90 days, vesting of complaint committee with the power of a civil court, etc.

Tine Staermose, Director, ILO speaking at the occasion said that over the last decade sexual harassment is a growing concern at National and International level. Sexual harassment undermines the enterprise which in turn undermines the productivity.

Staermose commended Women and Child Development Ministry for notifying this act.

SCOPE in collaboration with ILO is organising a two-day workshop to provide an opportunity to participants to deliberate the issues and implications of the Sexual harassment Act, 2013.