KISHTWAR, DECEMBER 17: Under the aegis of J&K Legal Services Authority, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Kishtwar on Tuesday organized an awareness program with the objective to sensitize the citizens on gender-related issues and the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
Held at the District Court Complex, the awareness programme was inaugurated by Chairman District Legal Services Authority (Principal District & Sessions Judge) Manjeet Singh Manhas.
Sub Judge, Secretary DLSA Slahuddin Ahmed was the resource person.
In his inaugural address, Manjeet Singh Manhas highlighted the importance of generating awareness about legal protection against sexual harassment at workplaces. He emphasized that such harassment is not only a violation of individual dignity but also a grave social injustice that undermines professional environments, stifles growth, and perpetuates fear and inequality.
Slahuddin Ahmed provided an in-depth overview of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 and addressed various aspects of gender sensitization. He explained key issues like gender discrimination, stereotypes, prejudices, and gender equality. He also detailed the Act’s provisions, including the procedure for complaints, inquiry mechanisms, punishments under the Act, and the role and responsibilities of employers, district officers, internal complaints committees and local complaints committees.
A technical session was conducted to educate stakeholders about the complaint process and inquiry procedures under the Act.
The event witnessed active participation from Addl. SP, Pawan Kumar Sharma; BDO Trigam Chandan Manhas; BDO Hqrs Chahat Bharti; SHO P.S. Women Cell SI Sakshi Sharma; teachers nominated by the CEO, police officials nominated by SSP, members of internal complaints committees/local complaint committees from the District Administration and District Court, Kishtwar and members of the Bar.
The programme aimed to equip stakeholders with the knowledge and tools to address workplace harassment and promote a culture of gender equality and dignity.
