Sensitisation programme on Sexual Harassment Act held in Dim
Sensitisation programme on Sexual Harassment Act held in Dimapur
The office of the Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur, held a sensitisation programme to discuss the implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace
Litsenthung Kikon chairing the sensitisation programme on
the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, at the DC conference
hall, Dimapur, on Monday.
DIMAPUR — The
office of the Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur, held a sensitisation programme on
Monday to discuss the implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at
Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
According to a press release, while chairing the programme,
Litsenthung Kikon, EAC, Dimapur, acknowledged that cases of workplace sexual
harassment often go unreported in Naga society due to discomfort and lack of
awareness. However, he noted that significant progress has been made in
implementing the Act at the district level.
He also stated that letters have been sent to departments,
urging them to establish internal complaints committees (ICCs) to monitor and
address instances of sexual harassment in the workplace.
Kikon explained that an ICC must be headed by a female
president, with three additional members, at least half of whom should be
women. The committee members will serve a tenure of three years from the date
of their nomination.
He further stated that while the Act was passed in 2013, its
implementation in the region is still in its early stages. However, efforts
such as this sensitisation programme mark a major step forward in enforcing the
law and educating employees about their rights.
Speaking on the issue, Moanenla Yaden, chairperson of the
Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Dimapur, Elizabeth Humtsoe, lecturer at City Law
College, Dimapur, and Alomi Sumi, Child Helpline Project coordinator, stressed
that many women remain unaware of their rights under the Act. “Unless we
educate them about their rights, they will not know how to seek justice,” they
stated.
They emphasised the need for greater awareness and education
regarding the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition,
and Redressal) Act, 2013, to ensure a safe and respectful work environment for
women.
They said that the Act defines sexual harassment as any
unwelcome, sexually defined behaviour that creates an intimidating, hostile, or
offensive working environment. It applies to both organised and unorganised sectors,
covering government offices, private and public sector organisations, NGOs, and
other institutions.
The Act covers a broad range of misconduct, including
physical contact, sexually suggestive remarks, demands for sexual favours, and
displaying pornography. It aims to prevent and redress workplace sexual
harassment, ensuring that women work in an environment free from discrimination
and intimidation.
The speakers called for strict enforcement of the law and
regular awareness programmes to empower women to report cases of harassment
without fear.
