SHUBHANGI SHIFA
Ranchi, Sept 16: The Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) of Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS), Ranchi concluded a two-day workshop cum training on “Prevention Against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse-Education, Awareness and Grievances Procedure” on Friday. The workshop was organised for all faculty, staff and first year students and began on Thursday.
Resource Person of the workshop, Advocate Navmallika Gupta, legal practitioner at Supreme Court of India, is a Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) certified trainer. A total of four sessions were held during the workshop.
On the first day of the workshop Dr Joseph Marianus Kujur, Director, XISS in his welcome address said, “ICC is an important part of this Institution, as we are committed to prevent any sexual exploitation, spread awareness and create a safe environment for communication for all. I hope that all members of XISS will learn from this workshop.”
During the workshop, Advocate Gupta discussed the elements which constitute ‘sexual harassment’ in detail using audio and visual means and shared various cases with the participants to facilitate their understanding of the same. She also elaborated the difference between sex and gender, ways to eliminate gender inequality and various laws enacted in India for the women workers.
On day two, during the second session, Dr Amar E Tigga, Dean Academics in his welcome address to the students, reiterated the importance of awareness regarding issues pertaining to sexual harassment. Dr Pradeep Kerketta, Assistant Director, XISS apprised the participants about the objective and rationale of the Workshop-cum-Training session, and the necessity of an Internal Complaints Committee in XISS.
Dr Madhumita Singha, Presiding Officer, ICC, XISS and other members Dr Amit Kumar Giri, Dr Pooja, Koyel Mukherjee and Harshvardhan facilitated the workshop.
