POSH Training Workshop (Prevention of Sexual Harassment)

To promote a safe and respectful environment on campus, GD Goenka University, Sohna, Gurugram successfully organized a POSH Awareness Training Workshop on 29 November, focusing on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace (POSH) Act, 2013. The workshop aimed to educate members of faculty and staff about their rights, responsibilities, and the mechanisms for addressing sexual harassment in Higher Education Institution.

The aim of the workshop was to raise awareness about the provisions of the POSH Act and its applicability in academic institutions, highlight the role of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in handling complaints and encourage the creation of a safe, inclusive, and gender-sensitive campus environment.

The event was inaugurated by Prof. (Dr.) Deepti Wadera, Chair, ICC who emphasized the importance of gender equality and workplace safety. "A safe campus is a productive campus. Through this workshop, we aim to empower individuals to stand against harassment and foster an environment of mutual respect," Prof. Wadera stated.

The session was facilitated by Dr. Deevanshu Shrivastava and Dr. Apoorva Dixit noted legal expert and certified POSH Trainers. The experts focussed on clarifying the definition of Sexual Harassment and understanding what constitutes harassment under the POSH Act, step-by-step guidance on filing complaints, timelines for resolution, and confidentiality measures and preventive measures encouraging open communication, and policy enforcement to prevent harassment. Further they also highlighted the structure, responsibilities, and functioning of the Internal Complaints Committee in addressing complaints within the institution.

Interactive discussions and case studies were used to help participants relate to real-world scenarios, fostering an engaging and informative session. The workshop witnessed enthusiastic
participation expressing their appreciation for an enlightening and empowering session.

The session concluded with vote of thanks by Dr.Deepti Wadera Chair Internal Complaints Committee and Dr.Jyoti Shrivastava,Co-Chair Internal complaints committee.

Dean Academics, GD Goenka University, Prof. (Dr.) Vandana Mehrotra remarked that, “The workshop clarified several misconceptions about the POSH Act and gave us practical tools to deal with sensitive situations. It’s a step forward in ensuring a safer campus.”

Overall, the POSH Awareness Workshop was a resounding success, reinforcing GD Goenka University’s commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment. By empowering individuals with knowledge and tools to combat harassment, the event marked a significant step in building a respectful and equitable campus culture.