AALO, 7 Sep: The West Siang Women and Child Development Department on Monday conducted an awareness programme on the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act), and SHE-Box, an online platform for reporting and redressal of complaints relating to sexual harassment of women at workplace.

During the programme, the participants were sensitised to the legal provisions available for protection of women from domestic violence, prevention of sexual harassment at workplaces, and the importance of creating a safe, respectful and harassment-free working environment.

The programme also highlighted the provisions relating to the constitution and functioning of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) under Section 4 of the POSH Act, 2013.

The participants were informed about the role and responsibilities of the ICC in receiving and addressing complaints related to sexual harassment at workplace and ensuring proper redressal in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

The awareness programme aimed to enhance understanding among the participants regarding women's rights, available legal remedies, institutional mechanisms for grievance redressal, and the importance of collective responsibility in preventing violence and harassment against women.

The department urged all departments and organisations concerned to ensure proper implementation of the relevant provisions of the POSH Act, 2013, including the constitution/reconstitution of ICCs wherever required.

The programme concluded with a call for greater awareness, vigilance and coordinated efforts towards ensuring a safe and dignified environment for women both at home and at the workplace. (DIPRO)