Empowering Workplaces: JanMitra Nyas' Orientation on POSH Act Compliance

On March 4, 2025, JanMitra Nyas (JMN) organized an orientation session on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act for volunteers and staff working under the Shiksha Plus initiative, with support from the Shiv Nadar Foundation. This session aimed to reinforce JMN’s commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive workplace free from harassment and discrimination. All office staff and members of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) were present, except Advocate Prem Prakash Singh Yadav.

Opening Session

The event commenced with a brief introduction by Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi, Founder of PVCHR, who provided an overview of the organization’s mission and programs. He emphasized the significance of gender and child protection policies in ensuring a safe working environment.

Shruti Nagvanshi, a seasoned trainer on the POSH Act at the government level and a member of POSH committees in various institutions, led the workshop. She shared her extensive experience and role in committees at District Jail Varanasi, the Department of Food Supply, and the Department of Social Work at Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth.

Workshop Proceedings

The session unfolded in an engaging and participatory manner:

1. Interactive Icebreaker

Participants introduced themselves uniquely by sharing their names along with something they liked, creating an open and comfortable atmosphere.

2. Thematic Plays by Participants

Participants were divided into three groups and assigned different workplace harassment scenarios:

Group 1: Identified workplace situations where women face harassment and discussed preventive measures.
Group 2: Highlighted challenges women encounter when working outside their homes.
Group 3: Depicted responses and actions to workplace harassment in government settings.

Each group performed skits that showcased these themes, making the session interactive and insightful.

3. POSH Act Presentation by Shruti Nagvanshi

A detailed presentation on the POSH Act, 2013, covered key topics such as:

Legal Framework: Understanding the law’s scope and implications for different workplaces, including NGOs, educational institutions, corporate offices, and informal workspaces.
Defining Sexual Harassment: Differentiating between verbal, non-verbal, and physical misconduct.
Role of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC): Formation, responsibilities, and procedures for redressal.
Complaint Filing & Confidentiality Measures: Guidelines on reporting and maintaining victim confidentiality.
Legal Consequences: Penalties for non-compliance, including financial repercussions.

4. Key Takeaways & Discussion

The session concluded with an open discussion, reinforcing essential insights:

Awareness and sensitization of employees about their rights.
Strengthening ICC mechanisms to ensure unbiased and effective grievance redressal.
Encouraging anonymous reporting to promote a safe environment.
Emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment.

Action Plan and Next Steps

To sustain the momentum and institutionalize the learnings from the workshop, JMN outlined the following action items: ✅ Regular POSH awareness programs to educate employees and volunteers. ✅ Strengthening ICC operations with a focus on confidentiality and timely grievance resolution. ✅ Establishing anonymous reporting mechanisms. ✅ Conducting compliance audits to ensure adherence to POSH guidelines.

JanMitra Nyas’ Gender and Workplace Policies

Beyond POSH compliance, JMN upholds a strong ethical and governance framework, reflected in its gender and workplace policies.

1. Ethical Conduct & Governance

Ensuring decision-making transparency through the Board of Trustees.
Strict financial accountability with annual audits.
Zero tolerance for discrimination based on caste, gender, or socio-economic status.

2. Child Protection & Safeguarding

Mandatory background checks for staff and volunteers.
Strict measures against child exploitation and abuse.
Training programs on child protection policies.

3. Gender Sensitization & Workplace Safety

JMN has integrated gender sensitivity into all levels of its work culture:

Equal opportunities for men and women in hiring, promotions, and leadership roles.
Flexible work arrangements and provisions like paid maternity and paternity leave.
Gender-segregated data collection in program assessments.

4. Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) & Redressal Mechanism

JMN’s ICC comprises trained professionals, ensuring fair investigations and strict confidentiality in handling complaints.

Conclusion

The POSH Act orientation at JMN reinforced the organization's commitment to creating a harassment-free, inclusive, and respectful workplace. By conducting awareness programs, strengthening internal complaint mechanisms, and integrating gender-sensitive policies, JMN continues to set a benchmark for workplace safety and empowerment.

This session was not just a compliance exercise but a testament to JMN’s proactive approach to ensuring dignity, equality, and justice for all its employees and stakeholders. The journey towards a safe workplace is ongoing, and JMN remains dedicated to fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity.

Analysis and Final Thoughts

The success of this workshop highlights the importance of proactive measures in workplace safety. The interactive approach used in the session made complex legal provisions more accessible and engaging for participants. JMN’s commitment to integrating POSH compliance into its broader framework of gender equity demonstrates a holistic approach to workplace well-being. However, ensuring the sustainability of these efforts requires continuous training, strict policy enforcement, and an organizational culture that encourages open dialogue. By maintaining this momentum, JMN can serve as a model for other organizations striving to create safe and inclusive work environments.

Link of PSEA and Gender Policy of JanMitra Nyas:https://www.scribd.com/document/835597685/PSEA-and-Gender-Policy-of-JanMitra-Nyas

Link to Presentation on POSH Act by Shruti Nagvanshi: https://www.scribd.com/document/835615638/Presentation-on-POSH-Act-by-Shruti-Nagvanshi

Visual Documentation: Photos & Videos

The impact of the workshop was best captured through photos and videos that highlighted key moments of engagement, learning, and discussion. These visuals showcased the enthusiasm of participants, the effectiveness of interactive plays, and the insightful sessions led by experts. The documentation serves as a testament to JMN’s efforts in fostering a harassment-free workplace and provides a resource for future training and advocacy. By sharing these moments, JMN aims to inspire other organizations to undertake similar initiatives and reinforce the importance of workplace safety and gender equity.