Subtle Forms of Workplace Sexual Harassment Persist, Highlights Justice Anitha Sumanth

Fast Summary

• justice Anita Sumanth, Judge of the Madras High Court, emphasized the importance of gender sensitisation at workplaces during an awareness programme in Tiruchi on “Gender Sensitisation and Elimination of Violence against Women.”
• She noted that sexual harassment frequently enough takes subtle forms, making it challenging to recognize, and highlighted the need for open interaction across workplaces, homes, and educational institutions.
• Justice R.N. Manjula spoke about building relationships based on fairness and respect while urging societal conversion to dismantle stereotypes.
• A handbook on the Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment (POSH Act) was launched during the event.
• The programme featured participation from prominent legal figures such as Principal District Judge M. Christopher, civic authorities including District Collector V. Saravanan and Commissioner of Police N. Kamini, along with NGOs, students, and women’s organisations.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The emphasis placed by legal authorities like Justices Anita Sumanth and R.N. Manjula on gender sensitisation illustrates a broader challenge: addressing deeply ingrained biases in workplaces and also society at large. their remarks point to a pressing need not only for robust enforcement of legal protections under mechanisms like the POSH Act but also for fostering cultural change through conversations in familial settings and schools.

The launch of a comprehensive handbook outlining procedures under workplace harassment laws is a constructive step toward improving awareness and accessibility for victims seeking justice. Though,challenges related to implementation remain meaningful-mere legislation cannot prevent harassment if societal attitudes remain unchanged.

This initiative underscores how collaboration among judiciary members, government officials like district collectors or police commissioners, NGOs working with women’s rights groups-and active participation by students-can create platforms for meaningful discussions about combating violence against women effectively within India’s evolving social framework.

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