The Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW), in partnership with the District Administration, Pherzawl, organised an awareness and capacity-building programme on the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 — commonly known as the POSH Act — at the District Conference Hall on Thursday.
The programme aimed to strengthen workplace safety mechanisms across government and institutional settings, while empowering officers, frontline workers, and community representatives with the knowledge required to implement the law effectively.
Call for Universal Formation of Internal Complaints Committees
Addressing the participants, MSCW Chairperson Smt. Thumlip Tiningpham Monsang highlighted the urgent need for every office, institution, and department to establish a fully functional Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).
She emphasised that ICCs are not optional but a legal requirement under the POSH Act, and their absence compromises both compliance and women’s safety.
“A safe workplace is a fundamental right. ICCs must be formed, trained, and visible — only then can women feel protected, respected, and confident in their workspaces,” the Chairperson said.
She also urged departments to display awareness materials, including posters and contact details of ICC members, in accessible areas within office premises.
Strengthening Accountability and Gender Sensitisation
Resource persons from MSCW and district officials presented detailed sessions on:
Definitions of sexual harassment under the POSH Act
Roles and responsibilities of ICCs
Complaint procedures and timelines
Protection of complainants and witnesses
Importance of confidentiality
Employer obligations and legal liabilities
Conducting gender-sensitisation programmes
Participants engaged in interactive Q&A sessions, discussing real-life scenarios, common challenges in handling complaints, and best practices for creating a zero-tolerance environment.
Broad Participation From District Institutions
The programme saw active participation from:
MSCW Members
District Officers and Departmental Heads
Police Officials
Representatives from the One Stop Centre (OSC)
Members of the Hmar Women Association
Their presence reaffirmed a collective commitment to promote gender justice, improve reporting mechanisms, and ensure that workplaces across Pherzawl district uphold dignity, safety, and respect for women.
District administration officials noted that follow-up workshops would be held to support institutions in forming ICCs, maintaining records, and conducting regular training programmes.
A Step Toward Safer, More Inclusive Workplaces
The event concluded with a shared pledge to strengthen institutional accountability and empower women employees at every level.
MSCW officials reiterated that awareness is the first step towards prevention, and that collaboration between departments, civil society groups, and community organisations is essential for long-term cultural change.