It is the duty of every organisation and society in general to create a comfortable environment at workplace where women are treated with respect and dignity, according to J. Charukesi, Postmaster General of Southern Region - Madurai.
She was addressing a seminar on ‘Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention) Act, 2013, and its implementation,’ organised by Society for Community Organisation (SOCO) Trust here recently.
“When women enter an organisation, they have to be treated as equals and it is their right to expect to be treated with dignity. Women who want to make a mark in their fields and be recognised should not be objectified,” she said.
Ms. Charukesi said the formation of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) in organisations under the 2013 Act should be mandatory. “The presence of women in the committee will ensure that women who are harassed talk about their issues. Sensitivity and objectivity are important when these cases come up for hearing,” she added.
R. Padmakumari, vice-president, All India Democratic Women’s Association, Madurai, said harassment at workplace affected women in three different ways. “She is affected as a woman, an employee, and a citizen of the country as there is a threat to her independence,” she said.
More than 150 students from colleges in Madurai, Dindigul and Tirunelveli participated in the seminar.
“The students will be sensitised to spread awareness of the Act and visit government offices and private concerns to speak to the employees about the Act and the mandatory establishment of ICCs,” said S. Selva Gomathy, Deputy Director of SOCO Trust.