PoSH Act: ‘Real challenge in providing solutions to issues of women workers’

Karmakar has been working to combat violence against women, including sexual harassment at workplaces, and has also been dealing with survivors through the Nari Samata Manch.

Pune-based Nari Samata Manch, on the occasion of 10th anniversary of the implementation of PoSH, has organised a panel discussion — in Marathi language — at University Women’s Organisation in Patrakar Nagar at 5:30 pm on Saturday. The panel includes advocates Rama Sarode and Preeti Karmarkar, who will talk about the redressal of grievances in organised and unorganised sectors.

Utkarsha Rupwate – a member of the state Women’s Commission, and Dr Neelam Gorhe – deputy speaker at Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, will preside over the panel.

Rupwate told The Indian Express that “lack of awareness remains a concern”. “There are no committees at most workplaces. These numbers are only on paper, and sometimes meetings are conducted. There is a need for training everyone in all sectors,” said Rupwate, adding that “sometimes even the perpetrator is part of the committee”.

According to Advocate Rama Sarode, former member of the local committee for Pune district and an external member in committees for over 30 organisations, told The Indian Express that some organisations follow the mandate in letter and spirit, while there are many who form an internal committee, without investing in preventing measures.

“They fail to understand that building an enabling environment is directly related to growth in business, lesser attrition and happy employees. Also, this law cannot be interpreted in isolation, and must be interlinked to mental health and vulnerability… a victim facing domestic violence is vulnerable at the workplace too… The vigilance to ensure that every workplace is compliant has to be increased by departments concerned,” Advocate Sarode added.
“If the law is applied in its intended spirit, it would be beneficial for women to voice their concerns and for everyone to understand that the law is not against men. It is against sexual harassment… and because women are more likely to have such experiences, such gender specific legal provision has been in place,” Karmakar said.

While the misuse of the law has been a concern, there is no authentic data to conclude so, said Karmarkar.
“Notably, the law provides protection against false complainants, wherein the committee may propose action against a complainant if it turns out to be false. The committee must examine it carefully, nevertheless, as the lack of evidence does not render a complaint baseless or malicious,” she added.