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Showing posts from June, 2025

POSH Law for Men in India: A Silent Side of the Conversation

The Prevention of Sexual Harassment ( POSH ) Act, 2013 was introduced in India with the objective of providing a safe working environment for women. While this legislation was a much-needed step towards protecting women at the workplace, a common question that arises today is—what about men? Can men be victims of sexual harassment at the workplace too? And if so, are they protected under Indian law? This blog explores the often-overlooked issue of sexual harassment against men, their legal standing under the POSH Act, and the need for inclusive policies in India. Understanding the POSH Act The POSH Act primarily focuses on the protection of women from sexual harassment at workplaces. It defines sexual harassment, sets up internal complaint committees (ICC) in organizations, and lays down the procedures for filing and resolving complaints. However, the act clearly states that only women can file a complaint under it. This means that men (and even LGBTQ+ individuals) currently do not hav...

How to Conduct an Effective Awareness Program on Sexual Harassment at the Workplace.

An effective awareness program on sexual harassment should begin with a clear definition of what constitutes harassment. Employees must understand not only the obvious forms of harassment, such as physical assault or verbal abuse, but also subtler behaviors like inappropriate comments, gestures, or advances. This comprehensive understanding can help prevent incidents before they occur. The program should be interactive and include real-life case studies that allow employees to identify and discuss potential harassment situations. Role-playing exercises can also help employees practice how to respond to harassment or report it appropriately. This will make them feel more confident in identifying problematic behaviors and taking action. Awareness programs should be conducted regularly and tailored to the specific needs of the workplace. For example, in industries with high turnover rates, it's important to offer refresher training to ensure all employees are up to date on the organi...