PR No – 445
11th August, 2023
New Delhi
Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act – Together We Thrive: Creating a Safe and Empowering Workplace
9.30 am to 4 pm, 11th August 2023, PHD House, New Delhi
PHDCCI organised the POSH workshop focused on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (POSH) Act. The event featured special address by Smt. Meenakshi Sharma, Presenting Officer at the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). She highlighted the prevalent sexual and mental harassment cases faced by women at workplace. She emphasized the significance of the POSH initiative, which holds crucial implications from a general standpoint. “Societal pressure still acts as a barrier for many of these women” she said.
Ms. Raavi Birbal, Advocate at the Supreme Court and High Court of Delhi, commended PHD Chamber for addressing such a relevant and contemporary issue. She highlighted the essential need for cultural and attitudinal changes in both men and women. While the POSH Act has garnered recognition in urban areas, it remains less known in rural regions. She urged PHDCCI to extend its reach to these rural areas and advocated for a fast-track mechanism to resolve sexual harassment cases. Referring to Article 15 that prohibits gender-based discrimination, she also mentioned Article 51 A (E), which imposes a fundamental duty on every citizen to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.
Shri Sanjay Drall, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Delhi Police shared multiple instances of sexual harassment at workplaces. He shed light on the prevalent discrimination against women in these settings and the underlying negative mindset. He emphasized that schools and society hold the primary responsibility to impart moral values and suggested that these teachings should be further reinforced.
Sh. Ashish Wig, Chair – NCLT & IBC Committee PHDCCI delivered the welcome address, touching upon the significant representation of women at workforce. He also stressed the integral relationship between mental and physical well-being.
The closing remarks and the vote of thanks were given by Dr. Jatinder Singh, Assistant Secretary General, PHDCCI. He termed the POSH Act as a transformative initiative and emphasized that meaningful work can only be achieved with a free mindset.
The event was Co-Partnered by Counsel Quest and Wig Brothers (C & C) Pvt. Ltd., and supported by PHDCCI annual sponsors, DLF Ltd; Jindal Steel & Power; KLJ Group; Multani Pharmaceuticals Ltd; Marble City; MMG Group; Radico Khaitan Ltd; Uflex Ltd; Vestige; Eazy ERP Technologies; JK Tyre & Industries Ltd; Sagar Group of Industries; Superior Industries Limited; Samsung India Electronics; Oswal Greentech; Apeejay Stya Group; Blossom Kochhar Beauty Products Pvt Ltd; DCM Shriram; R E Rogers; Trident Group; Ajit Industries Pvt Ltd; Bhagwati Plastic and Pipes Industries; Central Coalfields Ltd; DD Pharmaceutical Ltd.; Hindware Sanitary; Jindal Steel; Modern Automobiles; P S BEDI & Co.;
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Warm Regards,
Media Division
PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry