Chandigarh : An enlightening awareness session on Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace was held today at the Government College of Yoga Education and Health, Sector 23, Chandigarh, as a part of International Women's Day celebrations. The event, organized under the leadership of Dr. Sapna Nanda, Principal, aimed to raise awareness about sexual harassment at workplace and the legal measures in place to protect women, aligning with this year theme “ Accelerate Action”.
The event commenced with traditional lamp lighting, symbolizing the beginning of the session. Dr. Sapna Nanda formally welcomed the distinguished guest, Honorable Justice Sri Surendra Kumar, Additional District and Sessions Judge and Member Secretary of the State Legal Services Authority, UT Chandigarh. She also highlighted his significant contributions to the legal field, especially in promoting justice and legal rights for women.
The session featured a series of engaging activities, starting with a yoga demonstration by the students of the college, which symbolized physical and mental strength. This was followed by a thought-provoking skit performed by the students, reflecting the challenges and struggles that women face in office environments, particularly with regard to sexual harassment. The skit served as a powerful tool to raise awareness and initiate discussions on this critical issue.
Another student Meenakshi recited a poem that highlighted the importance of women’s empowerment and the historical contributions of women in India. Her words were motivational and served to encourage the audience to recognize the invaluable role of women in society. Following the poem, a motivational song focusing on women’s empowerment was presented by the students, further uplifting the atmosphere.
The highlight of the session was the informative lecture delivered by the Chief Guest , Honorable Justice Sri Surendra Kumar. He shared valuable insights into women’s protection laws, specifically focusing on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace and the acts related to it. He also discussed the POSCO Act (Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses), explaining its significance and how it provides a legal framework for protecting women from sexual harassment. Justice Kumar elaborated on the landmark case Rajasthan Government vs. Bhuvari Devi (1992), which led to the amendment of the law and set a foundation for the enactment of the POSCO Act, providing much-needed legal safeguards for female employees.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Sri Rajiv Uppal, Yoga Instructor. The event concluded on a patriotic note with the National Anthem, marking the culmination of a highly informative and empowering session. This event was attended by 85 members, including students, faculty and general public members.