A One-day Sensitization Programme on “Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 was held today at the Auditorium of the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Niteiyapat Chutek, Keishampat, Imphal West. The programme was organised by Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW) and Directorate of Information and Public Relation, Government of Manipur.
Chairperson of MSCW, Thumlip Tiningpham Monsang stated that it is compulsory for both men and women to understand each other in sorting out any problem they faced. It is quite fortunate that this very department is not facing any issues related with sexual harassment at workplace, and if it happens to have such issues, then the complaint should be brought into the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).
The Chairperson appreciated the dedication of the District Information Officers (DIOs) who joined the programme both online and offline. She urged them to ensure the effective implementation of IC-related activities in their respective workplaces and emphasized the importance of being well-versed with the rights and provisions outlined under the Women Empowerment Act.
Ngangom Uttam Singh, Director of IPR and MAHUD, stated that the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 has been implemented across all workplaces. He emphasized that everyone should recognise the Act as a powerful legal safeguard. When an affected person trusts and believes in the effective functioning of this Act, it ensures a sense of safety and protection in their life, he added.
He further mentioned that every Government office or institution is required to establish an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to safeguard women in the workplace. In such committees, the senior-most woman officer shall serve as the Chairperson. He also stressed that unorganised sectors and private firms must mandatorily set up ICCs to meet any redressals from individuals if required.
The Director noted that the general public often find it more comfortable and convenient to submit their grievances to CSOs through the Local Centres (LCs) rather than approaching the government Internal Committees(ICs). He added that this trend may stem from a perceived difference in status among complainants. He urged all citizens to feel free and confident in reaching out to the government ICs as well for the redressal of their grievances.
In her keynote address, Smt. W. Phajatombi (MCS), Member Secretary, MSCW, highlighted the key activities of the Commission and the legal provisions governing its functioning under the Indian Constitution.
She urged all participants to equip themselves with a thorough understanding of women’s rights and the proper mechanisms available for seeking redressal. She emphasized the importance of knowing when, where, and how to file complaints in cases of violation.
The Member Secretary further noted that the programme was primarily organised for the DIOs of the Directorate, both those attending physically and online. She called upon them to stay fully informed about the functions of the Internal Committee (IC) and directed them to submit their annual reports to the Director in a timely manner.
The sensitization program gave information on the role of women in workplace, whom to address when different forms of sexual harassment take place and procedures to handle complaint etc. Understanding and addressing sexual harassment in the workplace is crucial for creating a safe environment for women and girls. To ensure equality and empowerment for all women proper awareness and understanding women’s rights have become important in all workplace, she added.
During the Technical Session Thiyam Rajkishore Singh, Advocate, highlighted the provisions of The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. He shared that such cases may happen in all the gender where the perpetrator would be given stringent punishment through various disciplinary actions based on complainant’s facts.
The technical session witnessed active participation from several DIOs, both in physical and virtual modes, along with officials and staff of the DIPR.
MSCW Members Lourembam Dayabati and Sofia Mayon were also on the dais as the presidium members.