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.
4th October 2024 / Issue No. 50
Upcoming Events
Mark your calendars! In this section, we highlight an upcoming event you won't want to miss.
Creating a safe and respectful workplace is vital, and strengthening your role as an Internal Committee (IC) member plays a key part in this process. Effectively managing sexual harassment complaints and addressing challenges ensures compliance with safety protocols. If you’re curious about enhancing your skills, we offer a workshop focused on essential strategies and best practices for complaint handling.
Leaders are crucial in prioritizing mental health at work, benefiting both individuals and organizations. Join our workshop to explore strategies for fostering a supportive environment, addressing mental health challenges, and understanding leaders’ responsibilities to enhance team well-being.
In the Spotlight!
Explore ways to build your knowledge and capacity with our team of in-house experts!
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud emphasized the critical role of comprehensive sex education in curbing sexual crimes. He criticized misconceptions and resistance rooted in the belief that it clashes with traditional values, which obstructs adolescents’ access to accurate information and fosters unhealthy behaviors.
Do you know the next steps when a party alleges bias against the Presiding Officer of an Internal Committee? Can the officer be held personally liable? If you’re unsure, join the discussion in the comments and register for our upcoming workshop to find answers to these critical questions.
Disability rights activists criticized a comic’s video mocking disabilities, highlighting media’s tendency to portray disabled individuals disrespectfully. Following backlash over “Aankh Micholi,” the Supreme Court issued guidelines for more humane representations.
Self-care is often misunderstood as selfishness, but the reality is different. Prioritizing self-care improves mental health and productivity, allowing you to show up as your best self. Join our upcoming workshop to explore strategies for creating a healthier, more supportive workplace.
Stay Current!
~ Spotlighting Landmark Judgments since passing of the Law!
I - LEGAL UPDATES
The Karnataka High Court ordered OLA to compensate a woman ₹5 lakhs for sexual harassment by a driver and mandated an inquiry under the POSH Act. The court emphasized OLA’s responsibility for driver conduct, highlighting the need for accountability in ridesharing services to ensure passenger safety, particularly for women
The Kerala High Court ruled that texting a minor without sexual intent does not constitute sexual harassment under the POCSO Act. The court quashed the FIR against a 24-year-old accused of disturbing a 17-year-old through calls and messages, emphasizing the need for concrete evidence of sexual intent.
The Himachal Pradesh High Court ruled that transgender persons cannot invoke Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in false promise of marriage cases. The court granted interim bail to a petitioner accused of pressuring a transgender victim for marriage, citing insufficient evidence and questioning the applicability of the law.
II - Exploring Intersections
The Justice Hema Committee highlighted severe sexual harassment and discrimination against women in the Malayalam film industry, prompting discussions on the applicability of the POSH Act, 2013. It concluded that the Act is relevant, categorizing acts like the casting couch as sexual harassment, with producers designated as employers responsible for safety.
Despite the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, implementation remains a challenge in India, leaving many women without justice. The Ministry of Women and Child Development launched the updated SHe-Box portal, enabling complaints and monitoring, but access for private sector women and better resource availability are still needed for effective implementation.
Engage with us!
Here's your weekly food for thought through a Fun Fact or Quiz.
On October 10, 2024, World Mental Health Day will focus on the theme “Mental Health at Work.” The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the critical link between mental health and the workplace. Safe and healthy work environments can protect mental well-being, while unhealthy conditions like stigma and harassment can harm it. With 60% of the global population employed, urgent action is needed to ensure mental health is prioritized at work, allowing everyone to thrive in their careers and lives.
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: What is the Integrated Special and Inclusive Teacher Education Programme (ISITEP), launched by the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment?
Answer: The Integrated Special and Inclusive Teacher Education Programme (ISITEP) is a newly launched initiative aimed at training educators for students with disabilities. This four-year Bachelor of Education program prepares teachers to support children across different educational levels, from foundational to secondary. Aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, ISITEP seeks to create a skilled workforce that can address the unique needs of these students in inclusive environments.
Here’s all the tools you need to build safe and equitable workspaces!
Drop us a Hey, to get started!
