Karnataka State Commission for Women Chairperson Nagalakshmi Choudhary has emphasised that every institution should mandatorily implement safety measures in the wake of increase in instances of sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and mental harassment against women at workplaces in recent times.

Inaugurating a training and awareness programme on the Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (POSH) Act, organised by the Karnataka State Commission for Women and the Women and Child Development Department, in Dharwad on May 18, she said that the steps should be ensure that ‘She Box’ system meant for confidentially receiving complaints from women functioned effectively.

“Women should be provided with a safe and respectful environment at workplaces. Only when women are physically and mentally healthy can they perform their duties confidently and efficiently. Co-operation of colleagues and the public is important in this regard, and government departments should organise extensive awareness programmes,” she said.

Emphasising that women should not silently tolerate any kind of injustice, harassment, or abuse against them, she said that that protecting the dignity and safety of women is the responsibility of everyone in society. “Social development is possible only when women are provided with a safe working environment,” she said.

She lauded the Dharwad Police for their women-friendly initiatives and said that such measures boost the morale of people, particularly women.

Hubballi Dharwad Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar said that all government offices, private offices, and industries employing 10 or more women workers must compulsorily install a She Box. In case of any form of exploitation, sexual harassment or injustice in government or private offices, women should courageously confront them, and report the same to the police, he said.

He said that senior officials should pay greater attention to the problems, safety, and mental well-being of women employees, and ensure that no inconvenience is caused to them.

Superintendent of Police Gunjan Arya, Zilla Panchayat Deputy Secretary Mallikarjun Todalabagi, Karnataka State Women’s Commission Deputy Director B. H. Krishnappa, and Dr. Sangeeta Mane, were among those present at the event.