An engaging session on emphasising the importance of creating a safe and respectful work environment

A POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) Awareness Training Program was conducted for the first-year PGDM students to educate them about the legal framework surrounding workplace harassment. The session was led by Advocate Rishika Dhawan, a distinguished legal expert specialising in workplace ethics and compliance. The objective was to familiarise students with the POSH Act, 2013, and prepare them for professional environments by fostering a culture of respect and safety both in college campus and at workplace. 

The session began with Advocate Rishika Dhawan providing an overview of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, commonly known as the POSH Act. She explained the definition and scope of sexual harassment under the Act, detailing various forms it can take, from overt misconduct to subtle and inappropriate workplace behaviors. She emphasised the importance of understanding employee rights and employer responsibilities under the Act, including creating policies and mechanisms to foster a safe working environment.

To ensure the concepts were relatable, Advocate Dhawan used real-life cases and situations to illustrate her points. She discussed notable corporate cases in India to demonstrate how harassment complaints are handled in real-world scenarios. Through these examples, students were made aware of the nuances of workplace harassment and the critical role of awareness in addressing it. The trainer also shared situational examples that highlighted behaviors that could constitute harassment, such as persistent unwelcome comments or gestures, helping students recognize and address such issues effectively.

The trainer then delved into the reporting mechanisms outlined under the POSH Act, explaining the step-by-step process of filing a complaint. She elaborated on the role of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in ensuring impartial investigations and emphasized the importance of confidentiality in maintaining trust and fairness throughout the process. The students were given a detailed understanding of how the ICC functions and how it contributes to resolving complaints efficiently. 

MBA student Navya Rajpal shared what she learnt during the session. “I learned about the Internal Committees established under POSH, which play a vital role in addressing issues of sexual harassment. These committees ensure a safe workplace for individuals of all genders, castes, regions, and sexual orientations. The session emphasized that sexual harassment can occur to or be perpetrated by anyone, and POSH ensures accountability and justice in such cases. It highlighted how the law provides a sense of security in organizations, with courts taking strict actions to uphold workplace safety and fairness.”

Another student Kanishka mentioned that the “training emphasised the importance of creating a safe and respectful workplace environment while highlighting key aspects of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Act. The session effectively outlined the roles and responsibilities of employees and management in fostering a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment. It was an engaging experience that enhanced our awareness and understanding of workplace ethics and compliance.”

Mitanshi Khanna, a 1st year student and member of Internal Complaint Committee said, “The POSH session conducted by Ms. Rishika Dhawan was truly engaging and insightful. The inclusion of real-life case examples made the session not only interesting but also highly informative, providing practical understanding of workplace scenarios. As a member of the internal committee, I found the session interactive and immensely valuable, emphasising the importance of creating a safe and respectful work environment. This session was both necessary and empowering, equipping us with the knowledge to handle sensitive situations effectively.”