‘Educate employees on critical issue of sexual harassment at workplace’

Srinagar, Mar 21:  Two day 'Sensitisation Program on sexual harassment of women at workplace' began at National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar on Thursday.

The awareness program is being organised by the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) of the Institute. Prof. Shagoofa Rasool Shah (Chairperson), Prof. MA Shah, Prof. Zamrooda Jabeen, Lieutenant (Dr.) Nitika Kundan Member secretary and Dr. Manoj Kumar are members of the committee.

In her welcome address, Chairperson of IC, Prof. Shagoofa extended warm welcome to resource persons for the seminar and stated that this two-day event is aimed to sensitize, educate employees on the critical issue of sexual harassment at workplace.

"By fostering awareness and understanding, we aim to empower individuals to recognize, prevent, and respond effectively to instances of sexual harassment," she said.

Prof. Shagoofa highlighted the past customs and traditions where women were subjected to cruelty, and were deprived from basic fundamental rights.

In his message, Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath said such programs are need of the hour and are aimed to raise awareness about sexual harassment, its impact on victims.

Registrar Prof Atikur Rehman appreciated the ICC for organising this event and it would play a crucial role in promoting awareness, prevention, and support regarding sexual harassment in the workplace, and more productive work environment.

Advocate Misbah Rashid (Presently member Child Welfare Committee Srinagar) and Dr. Shahnaz (Associate professor School of Law, University of Kashmir' were the resource persons of the workshop.

Dr Yashwant Mehta, Dean P&D, Prof. Kowsar Majid, Dean R&C, Prof Ruhi Naz, HOD Civil Engineering Prof Javaid, HoD Department of Humanity, Shrivastava among other staff members attended the event.

In her key address, Advocate Misbah Rashid delivered her expert talk on 'The Sexual Harassment of women at workplace (Prevention Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act) and its aspects.

Another speaker, Dr. Shahnaz said that “sexual harassment is an offshoot of male chauvinism, gender bias, gender discrimination, misogyny. It is often spoken in whispers and suffered in silence.”