19th to 22nd November, 2025 : 3 days session on POSH for Staff, Faculty and Students of Tata Institute of Fundamental Research

A sensitisation and awareness session on the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act) was conducted for the staff, faculty, and students of TIRF. The session was led by Advocate Ashwini Obulesh, Founder-Executive Director of Dhwani Legal Trust who served as the resource person for the programme.

The session aimed to create awareness regarding workplace safety, gender sensitivity, and the legal mechanisms available for the prevention and redressal of sexual harassment. Bringing together members of the academic and administrative community, the programme encouraged open dialogue on fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive institutional environment.

Advocate Ashwini provided a detailed overview of the key provisions of the POSH Act, including the definition and scope of sexual harassment, rights and responsibilities of employees and institutions, and the legal obligations of workplaces and educational institutions in ensuring a secure environment. The session also addressed the constitution and functioning of the Internal Committee (IC), procedures for filing complaints, principles of confidentiality, timelines for inquiry, and the importance of fair and impartial redressal mechanisms.

Special emphasis was placed on recognising different forms of inappropriate conduct, understanding consent and professional boundaries, and addressing the social and psychological impact of harassment. Through practical examples and interactive discussions, participants were encouraged to identify behaviours that contribute to hostile or unsafe environments and to understand the importance of bystander intervention and institutional accountability.

The interactive nature of the programme enabled participants to engage actively with the resource person, seek clarifications on procedural and legal aspects, and discuss concerns relating to workplace and campus culture. The session also highlighted the importance of preventive measures such as awareness programmes, sensitisation initiatives, and clear institutional policies to strengthen gender equity and dignity at the workplace.