Sexual harassment at workplace
Article 14 of the Indian Constitution ensures legal equality for all citizens, including women, as reflected in the Preamble. This constitutional framework, comprising Articles 14, 15, and 21, upholds the principles of equal treatment under the law, freedom from discrimination, and the right to a dignified and independent life. Workplace sexual harassment, a severe form of gender discrimination, infringes upon a woman’s fundamental rights, affecting her well-being and productivity.
The reluctance of many women to report such incidents stems from fears of repercussions on their personal and professional lives. Recognizing that workplace sexual harassment constitutes a violation of women’s rights and a form of violence, the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, was enacted to foster safe and supportive work environments, upholding women’s equality and liberties. Effective implementation of this Act is crucial for women to assert their rights and contribute to inclusive growth.
Official statistics show women’s participation in the workforce, but there’s a substantial informal sector where 93% of female workers lack legal protection. Protecting the rights of this significant female workforce is imperative to ensure their well-being and safety. Accurately gauging the extent of the problem is challenging due to underreporting. Creating secure work environments is essential to boost women’s workplace participation and overall progress.
POSH Policy: Concept, Benefits and Disadvantages of not having a POSH Policy
The total world population comprises both men and women population but still, women have to face various kinds of difficulties and issues only because of their gender. Women face discrimination in several places, and they are treated unequally without any reason by our male-dominated society. Sexual exploitation of women in the workplace is also a kind of gender-based violence that comes under gender discrimination. Sexual harassment not only violates women’s self-esteem or dignity, but it violates their constitutional and human rights as well. Various enactments talk about and protect the rights of women internationally as well. In India, we have the Sexual Harassment of Women at Work Place (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, which is commonly known as the POSH Act.
Table of Content
- PoSH Policy at workplace
- Sexual harassment at workplace
- Benefits of having a POSH Policy
- Disadvantages of not having a POSH Policy
- Conclusion
- FAQ’s on POSH Policy