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.
30th August 2024 | Issue No. 45
Upcoming Events
Mark your calendars! In this section, we highlight an upcoming event you won't want to miss.
We had a successful run of the first Level of our DEIB Certification, In This Together. After looking at the nuances within Gender and Sexuality in the context of workplace inclusion and equity, we now move on to our next level. The next Level of our Course, which starts from 4th September focuses on the spectrum of Disability and Caste among other things. To join us on this journey of creating equitable workspaces: register here now!
Take advantage of our upcoming training for Internal Committee (IC) Members! Our session offers a detailed exploration of the POSH Law, backed by over a decade of industry experience, and addresses new mental health concerns. Click the link for more information. If you’re aiming to enhance your skills or ensure your IC’s compliance this year, sign up now!
In the Spotlight!
Explore ways to build your knowledge and capacity with our team of in-house experts!
This week our co-founder and queer affirmative psychologist, Samriti Makkar Midha was parted of a panel conducted by SightsIn Plus. The panelists looked at the increase in sexual harassment cases in the Finance sector and the probable causes behind it. To listen to the insightful discussion that entailed, click here.
The first level of our DEIB Certification Course concluded this week with a deeply insightful session with non-binary activist and queer educator, Koyel Ghosh. To learn more about how we’ve been supporting our cohort through this journey and the next Level of the Course, click here.
Stay Current!
~ Spotlighting Landmark Judgments since passing of the Law!
I - LEGAL UPDATES
In the Badlapur child sexual abuse case, the Bombay High Court criticized the police for delaying FIR registration and mishandling the investigation, despite the victims being very young. The court emphasized the need for police sensitization and urged immediate legal and counseling support for the victims and their families.
The Supreme Court urged the Central Government to update rules to accept certificates issued under the Transgender Persons Act, 2019, for PAN card applications. The Court addressed a petition highlighting difficulties faced by transgender individuals due to the lack of a “third gender” option on PAN application forms, leading to Aadhaar-PAN linking issues.
The Delhi High Court directed the Central Government to address gaps in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), particularly the exclusion of provisions for punishing sexual offenses against LGBTQIA+ individuals. The court urged prompt consideration, highlighting the need for legal safeguards akin to the now-repealed Section 377 of the IPC.
II - Exploring Intersections
The tragic rape and murder of a doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College highlights the urgent need for equitable safety measures in workplaces. Addressing systemic issues like rape culture requires comprehensive training, robust policies, and effective redressal mechanisms. Employers must ensure safe environments by implementing the POSH Act fully, including background checks, security measures, and mental health support. We must invest in sustainable support systems to protect all employees and create safer, more inclusive workplaces.
The Ministry of Finance has sent out a circular announcing that it is permissible for queer couples to open joint bank accounts, and have their partners as nominees for their existing bank accounts. We look into the nuances of what this could mean for the queer community. To know more, read here.
Engage with us!
Here's your weekly food for thought through a Fun Fact or Quiz.
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 can one protect themselves from deepfakes, and what are the reporting mechanism?
Answer: To protect against deepfakes, verify the authenticity of content through reverse image searches. On social media platforms, report deepfake content by using the in-app reporting features. Typically, you can find options to report posts under the “More” or “Options” menu, often symbolized by three dots or a flag icon. Provide details and select appropriate categories like “harassment” or “misinformation.” One can also report to the Cyber Crime Cell or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal for further action.
Here’s all the tools you need to build safe and equitable workspaces!
Drop us a Hey, to get started!
