Gender Sensitivity and Prevention of Sexual Harassment
Event Date: 7th February, 2025
Event brief description – An awareness session on Gender Sensitivity and Prevention of Sexual Harassment was conducted by Dr. Anamika Pandey, Chairperson of the Internal Complaint Committee at Galgotias University. The session aimed to educate students, faculty, and staff about gender equality, workplace ethics, and legal provisions related to sexual harassment. Through an interactive discussion, Dr. Pandey elaborated on the importance of fostering a respectful and inclusive environment. The session also highlighted the role of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in addressing grievances and ensuring a safe academic and professional atmosphere.
Event Detailed Description
The session, led by Dr. Anamika Pandey, was an insightful and engaging discussion that provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of gender sensitivity and the legal framework governing the prevention of sexual harassment in educational institutions and workplaces. She began by addressing the importance of gender awareness, emphasizing that gender is a social construct that influences societal roles, expectations, and power dynamics. Dr. Pandey explained how deep-rooted stereotypes and unconscious biases shape attitudes and behaviors, often leading to discrimination and inequality. She encouraged participants to critically examine their perceptions and challenge ingrained biases to foster a more inclusive and equitable environment. By highlighting real-life examples, she illustrated how gender sensitivity is crucial in both professional and personal interactions, ensuring dignity, respect, and fairness for all individuals, regardless of gender identity.
As the session progressed, the discussion shifted towards the pressing issue of sexual harassment, its various forms, and its impact on individuals and institutions. Dr. Pandey provided a clear definition of inappropriate behavior, explaining that sexual harassment is not limited to physical advances but also includes verbal and non-verbal misconduct, such as unwelcome comments, gestures, or the misuse of digital platforms for harassment. She emphasized that harassment can create a hostile environment, leading to psychological distress, reduced productivity, and a negative organizational culture. To strengthen participants’ understanding, she presented case studies and real-world incidents, analyzing the circumstances, consequences, and legal outcomes of such cases. These examples served as a learning tool to recognize and address harassment before it escalates, reinforcing the importance of awareness, vigilance, and collective responsibility in preventing such incidents.
A significant and highly informative segment of the session focused on the role of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in addressing complaints and ensuring justice. Dr. Pandey provided an in-depth explanation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, outlining its objectives, key provisions, and mechanisms for redressal. She detailed the structure and responsibilities of the ICC, explaining that it serves as the primary body responsible for handling complaints, conducting impartial inquiries, and recommending appropriate actions. The procedure for filing complaints was meticulously explained, covering aspects such as the timeframe for reporting incidents, the confidentiality of proceedings, and the rights of both complainants and the accused. Dr. Pandey also addressed common concerns and misconceptions surrounding the complaint process, assuring attendees that ICC functions with utmost transparency, fairness, and sensitivity.
The session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment, where participants were encouraged to voice their thoughts, share experiences, and seek clarifications on various aspects of gender sensitivity and sexual harassment policies. Many attendees raised pertinent questions regarding workplace policies, legal recourse, and preventive measures, leading to a meaningful discussion that further enriched their understanding. Dr. Pandey responded with practical insights and legal perspectives, ensuring that every concern was addressed comprehensively. She urged all participants to act as advocates of gender equality and workplace safety, fostering a culture where respect, dignity, and inclusivity prevail.
By the end of the session, attendees left with a heightened awareness of gender-related issues, a stronger grasp of their rights and responsibilities, and a renewed commitment to upholding ethical standards in academic and professional settings.
Department Name –School of Liberal Education & School of Languages
Event Outcome:
- Enhanced awareness about gender sensitivity and respectful communication.
- Clarity on legal rights and policies regarding the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, 2013.
- Better understanding of ICC's role in addressing and resolving complaints.
- Encouragement for a safer and more inclusive environment at Galgotias University.
- Empowered participants with knowledge on how to recognize, prevent, and report cases of harassment.
Related Goal
