Wider Awareness of POSH Act Essential: AP Women’s Commission Chief

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh State Women’s Commission chairperson Rayapati Sailaja on Tuesday called for wider awareness and effective implementation of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, 2013, saying every organisation has a responsibility to provide women with a safe, secure and dignified workplace.

Addressing a POSH Act awareness programme in Guntur, she said all employees must be aware of the law enacted to prevent, prohibit and redress sexual harassment at workplaces.

Later, speaking to reporters, Sailaja urged government and private organisations to strictly implement the Act and constitute Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) to ensure prompt disposal of complaints. She stressed the need to promote an atmosphere of equality while giving priority to the dignity and safety of women employees.

Expressing concern over the ineffective functioning of internal committees in some organisations, she said workplaces should encourage victims to report harassment without fear. "Women cannot move ahead and realise their full potential unless safe working conditions are ensured," she said.

Sailaja also highlighted the She-Box (Sexual Harassment Electronic Box) portal, a centralised digital platform developed by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development for filing and monitoring workplace sexual harassment complaints. She assured women that the Commission would support those who come forward to seek justice.

She later unveiled a POSH awareness poster.