The Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW), in collaboration with the District Administration Bishnupur, hosted a one-day sensitization program focused on “The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013” at the Mini Secretariat Complex in Bishnupur. The event was presided over by MSCW Chairperson Th. Tiningpham Monsang and attended by various officials, including Member Secretary W. Phajatombi, AC to DC Bishnupur Sh. Gunamani, and SDPO Bishnupur S. Tryphena Reikhenamai, along with District Level Officers and members of Internal Committees from different offices.
Chairperson Monsang emphasized the MSCW’s mission to promote women’s welfare and empowerment, address complaints, and enforce legal protections. She outlined the program’s primary goal: to educate Presiding Officers and Internal Committee members about their roles under the Act, underscoring the necessity for proper awareness to ensure effective implementation. She clarified that the Act is designed not to be anti-men but to promote safety and dignity for women in workplaces. Additionally, she highlighted the availability of a 24×7 Women’s Helpline through the Social Welfare Department, offering support at a toll-free number (181).
In her keynote address, Member Secretary Waikhom Phajatombi reinforced the Act’s purpose of protecting women and upholding workplace dignity. She delineated the structured system for addressing complaints and the Committee’s empowerment in safeguarding women’s rights. Phajatombi noted the MSCW’s continuous efforts in conducting similar sensitization programs across all districts in Manipur, aiming to deepen understanding and ensure implementation of the law. She urged everyone to contribute to fostering a safer and more respectful work environment for women.
Advocate Thiyam Rajkishore, who served as a resource person, detailed the complaint procedures prescribed by the Act. He explained the necessity for complaints to be lodged within three months of an incident of sexual harassment and elaborated on the Internal Committee’s responsibility to conduct inquiries impartially. He emphasized the importance of confidentiality regarding the inquiry proceedings and the identities of involved parties. Following the presentations, committee members engaged with the resource person to clarify various aspects of the Act. The program concluded with participation from District Level Officers and officials from various departments, further underscoring the collective commitment to creating a respectful workplace for women.
