SENAPATI: A one-day sensitisation programme on the “The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013” was successfully conducted on Tuesday at the DRDA Conference Hall, Senapati. The programme was jointly organised by the Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW) and the District Administration, Senapati, under the sponsorship of the Manipur State Commission for Women.
The event aimed to strengthen awareness on women’s rights and enhance the capacity of government officials to identify, prevent, and effectively respond to workplace sexual harassment, while also familiarising participants with the structure, roles, and functions of Internal Committees (IC) and Local Committees (LC) under the “Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013”.
The programme was attended by Th Tiningpham Monsang, Chairperson, MSCW; SK Sophia Moyon (MSCW Member) and Mamoni Doley, Deputy Commissioner of Senapati District, as presidium members; Sheveine, Assistant Commissioner, Senapati, along with government officials, district-level officers, and representatives from various departments, participated in the programme.
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The programme commenced with a welcome and introductory speech by Sk Sophia Moyon, member, MSCW, highlighting the objectives of the sensitisation programme on “the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013”. In her address, she stressed the need to ensure safe, dignified, and harassment-free workplaces for women across all sectors in Manipur.
Speaking on the occasion, Mamoni Dolay, Deputy Commissioner of Senapati district, highlighted that although various laws and provisions on sexual harassment exist, women remain unaware of their rights. She pointed out that so far, there have been no reported complaints of sexual harassment or domestic violence in the Senapati district, which may not indicate the absence of such incidents but rather a lack of awareness in identifying them or hesitation to report due to fear of social stigma. She further mentioned that in many cases, society tends to blame the victim, often questioning what the woman might have done to let the incident happen. Additionally, she emphasized that due to limited awareness, inappropriate remarks or comments on a woman’s body or clothing are often not recognized as acts of sexual harassment.
During the event, Th Tiningpham Monsang, chairperson of the Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW), highlighted the role and functions of the Manipur State Commission for Women. She further mentioned that this initiative was a collective call to ensure that every woman across Manipur, in government, private offices, markets, factories, farms, and the informal sector, can work without fear of harassment. Safety and dignity at work are fundamental constitutional rights, and it is the shared responsibility to uphold them.
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The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, offers a clear legal framework to prevent sexual harassment, support survivors, and hold offenders accountable. However, its effectiveness depends on how well the Act is implemented. The day’s sensitisation programme stated to play an important role in helping officials understand the structure and responsibilities of Internal Committees (ICs) and Local Committees (LCs), and ensuring that every workplace forms functional bodies for fair, confidential, and timely redressal.
When workplaces are safe, women can participate fully and confidently, contributing to stronger families, institutions, and the progress of Manipur as a whole.
A vote of thanks was pronounced by Sheveine, MCS, Assistant Commissioner, Senapati.
The central part of the programme featured Kawizengdauliu, Advocate, who deliberated as a resource person on the topic of “Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013”. She highlighted the legal provisions, prevention mechanisms and redressal processes under the Act. Resource person also explained the Women Helpline (181) and the use of She-Box.
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After the technical session, an interactive discussion was held between the participants and the resource person, during which all queries were addressed.
The programme concluded with a collective call to action to implement the POSH Act effectively and to ensure that workplaces across Senapati, Manipur, remain spaces of dignity, equality, and safety for all women.