PAU holds workshop on sexual harassment

Ludhiana, August 11, 2023: The College of Community Science, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), organized a sensitization workshop on “Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013” in the Conference Hall of Dr Khem Singh Gill Farmers’ Service Centre. More than 50 participants consisting of Heads of departments, Directors of Regional Research Stations, Associate/Deputy Directors of Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Incharges of Farm Advisory Service Centres and other officials of the University, attended the workshop. The objective of workshop was to sensitize the participants regarding the Act, and to promote safe and gender neutral environment for the women staff of the institution.
The Dean, College of Community Science Dr Kiranjot Sidhu emphasized that any kind of harassment to women is considered violation of women's right to equality, life and liberty. It creates an insecure and hostile work environment, which discourage women's participation in work, thereby adversely affecting their social and economic empowerment and the goal of inclusive growth, she added.

Dr Deepika Vig, Professor and Head, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, also stressed upon the need to spread awareness regarding the Act.

The guest speaker, Advocate Yadwinder Sharma impressed upon the need to provide safe and comfortable work environment for women and discussed various sections of the Act in detail. He pointed out that there remains lack of clarity on various aspects pertaining to the statute, including what constitutes sexual harassment, obligations of an employer, remedies/safeguards available to the victim, procedure of investigation, etc. Many are also not fully aware of the criminal consequences of sexual harassment, he pointed out. The participants were also sensitized regarding functions of Internal Complaint Committee of the University. The session was very interactive, motivational and a great learning experience for all those participated in the workshop.