10th January 2025 | Issue No. 63

The Equilibrio Gazette

A brief bulletin for building safe workspaces!

This weekly newsletter is your gateway to staying current on relevant
laws (like POSH, POCSO, Transgender Persons Act, etc.) and the
psychosocial intersections that impact the workplace.

10th January 2025 | Issue No. 63

Upcoming Events

Mark your calendars! In this section, we highlight an upcoming event you won't want to miss.

 

We are conducting a POCSO workshop on January 25, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM to enhance understanding of child sexual abuse and its legal framework under the POCSO Act. This full-day program, led by legal experts and professionals, will cover the prevalence of CSA, its psychological impact, relevant laws, and reporting mechanisms. Register now to gain crucial insights and contribute to protecting our children. 

In the Spotlight!

Explore ways to build your knowledge and capacity with our team of in-house experts!

As we close the chapter of the past year, let’s step into 2025 with a fresh perspective and an open heart. This is a time to reset, embrace new opportunities, and reflect on the valuable lessons that have shaped us. Wishing you a joyful, prosperous, and peaceful New Year from Mental Health at Work, a vertical of Equilibrio Advisory! Read Here.

Start the New Year with a vision for inclusive, equitable, and safe workplaces. Explore DEIB resolutions for empowering gender and sexual minorities. Head to our LinkedIn page and share your vision for 2025 in the comments.                                                                    Click Here To know more.

The applicability of the POSH Act to political parties is a topic worth exploring. Do political entities fall under its purview, given their structures and functions? Share your insights and opinions on our LinkedIn page—we look forward to your perspectives To know more, click here.

Resolutions are a powerful way to set intentions for a healthier, more fulfilling life. Prioritizing your own well-being can lead to meaningful, positive changes in mental health and overall happiness. Small steps can make a big impact. Share your thoughts and ideas with us on our LinkedIn page. Click here to know more. 

Stay Current!

~ Spotlighting Landmark Judgments since passing of the Law!

I - LEGAL UPDATES

The Kerala High Court ruled that comments about a woman’s body structure can constitute sexual harassment. In this case, the accused’s repeated inappropriate remarks and sexually explicit messages were deemed prima facie evidence of harassment under IPC and KP Act. The Court emphasized safeguarding women’s dignity and dismissed the accused’s plea to quash proceedings.

The Allahabad High Court denied bail to an orchestra organizer accused of sexually harassing and threatening a woman dancer. Highlighting systemic challenges faced by women artists, the Court stressed the need for a safe workplace. The victim’s consistent statements and the severity of allegations substantiated the decision to reject bail.

The Kerala High Court ruled that the duty to report offences under Section 19 of the POCSO Act is a personal obligation, not tied to an official role. The petitioner, a former CWC chairman, was found to have fulfilled this duty promptly, leading the Court to quash criminal proceedings against him.

II - Exploring Intersections

The Supreme Court dismissed review petitions challenging its October 2023 decision denying legal recognition to queer marriages, affirming that such matters lie with the legislature. The review bench found no errors in the majority judgment and upheld its adherence to constitutional principles, rejecting calls for an open court hearing.

When it comes to adopting a disability affirming and neuro-inclusive stance, what steps can organizations take? That is what we break down in our post, as we envision a safer and healthier workspace that supports the growth of employees with disability and neurodivergence. Click here to know more:

While talking about diversity and inclusion practices, it’s very important to take into account the cultural context. In India, DEIB practices are incomplete without including ethnic and religious minorities, and Dalit, Bahujan and Adivasi communities. Therefore, Inclusion at Work, charts out a map of DEIB goals companies can adopt this year to create an anti-caste ethos that welcomes cultural diversity. Click here to know more:

Engage with us!

Here's your weekly food for thought through a Fun Fact or Quiz.

Did you know?
NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) launched “EmpowHER Biz – Sapno Ki Udaan” to empower women entrepreneurs. This initiative provides training in retail management, digital tools, and financial literacy. Partnering with New Shop, it offers 50 women aged 18–35 the chance to own retail franchises, with 20 receiving a full franchise fee waiver. Focused on Delhi NCR, Punjab, and more, it aims to build a robust ecosystem for women-led businesses.

Have a burning question about POSH? Maybe Mental Health at Work, Child safety or DEI&B strategies? Drop us an email with your query and we would love to answer it, in all seriousness.

Curious Cat: How does the mental toll of transitioning affect transgender individuals, and what mental health support is necessary to help them through this process?

Answer: Transitioning can take a significant mental toll on transgender individuals due to societal stigma, discrimination, and internal struggles with identity. Essential mental health support includes access to affirming therapy, peer support groups, and healthcare that respects their gender identity. These resources help mitigate anxiety, depression, and other challenges, promoting mental well-being and a smoother transition.

Here’s all the tools you need to build safe and equitable workspaces!
Drop us a Hey, to get started!

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