Jiribam District Holds Sensitization Programme on Workplace Sexual Harassment Act, 2013
The Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW), under the sponsorship of the National Commission for Women, in collaboration with the District Administration, Jiribam, hosted a one-day sensitization programme on “The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013” at the Conference Hall of the DC Office, Chingdong Leikai, Jiribam on Friday.
The event was attended by esteemed dignitaries, including Smt. Thumlip Tiningpham Monsang, Chairperson (MSCW), Smt. Lourembam Dayabati Devi, Member (MSCW), Smt. T. Chuongsin Koireng, Member (MSCW), Smt. SK Sophia Moyon, Member (MSCW) and Krishna Kumar, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Jiribam, presided over the proceedings.
Welcoming the participants, Smt. T. Chuongsin Koireng, Member (MSCW), acknowledged the presence of district-level officers and stakeholders, expressing optimism that the programme would be successful in fostering accountability and awareness about workplace safety and the importance of preventing sexual harassment.
Deputy Commissioner, Jiribam Krishna Kumar, IAS, expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the visiting Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW) team for their visit to Jiribam.
During the programme, the Deputy Commissioner instructed all the offices in Jiribam to form Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) as per the guidelines of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
He urged the District Level Officers (DLOs) to follow the guidelines with letter and spirit, emphasizing the importance of establishing trust among all colleagues.
The Deputy Commissioner also highlighted the significance of Nari Sashaktikaran (women’s empowerment) and encouraged the participants to work together without fear or trauma. He stressed that a safe and respectful work environment is essential for the empowerment of women and the overall development of the district.
By taking these steps, the Deputy Commissioner aimed to promote a culture of accountability and sensitivity towards women’s issues in Jiribam.
Chairperson of the Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW), Thumlip Tiningpham Monsang, reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to advancing women’s rights and creating safe workplaces. “The Commission stands for all women of the state,” she declared.
She emphasized the necessity of understanding and implementing the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, effectively. “Sexual harassment undermines the dignity and safety of women across professional domains,” she stressed. The programme was organized to sensitize women on various issues related to workplace harassment and its prevention, prohibition, and redressal.
The Chairperson instructed the Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) to erect posters related to sexual harassment in all offices of Jiribam. She emphasized that the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, is not just a legal mandate but a moral imperative to protect and empower women.
The programme featured Advocate Mordecai Kamei as a resource person for the technical session, where he delivered an in-depth presentation on the legal framework and implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
During his presentation, Advocate Kamei covered various aspects of the Act, including the background and evolution of the legislation. He highlighted the primary objective of the Act, which is to provide a safe and respectful work environment for women and explained the procedures for filing complaints and seeking redressal under the Act.
He elaborated on key provisions of the Act, including the definition of sexual harassment and the consequences of violating the Act and emphasized the importance of ensuring that women are treated with dignity and respect in the workplace.
He also provided guidance on how to prevent sexual harassment and how to address it if it occurs, including the procedures for reporting and investigating complaints.
Further, he discussed the issue of preferential treatment of employees and how it can be addressed under the Act.
The programme aimed to enhance awareness and capacity among officials and stakeholders regarding workplace safety and legal recourse for women. By educating participants about the Act, the programme sought to foster a safe and respectful work environment.
The programme was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Jiribam, Th. Manoranjan Singh, MCS, Divisional Forest Officer, Jiribam, Elangbam Nirmala Chanu, District Information Officer, Jiribam, N. Bidyanada Singh and DLOs of various departments.