PREAMBLE

POSH Act: The POSH Act has been enacted with the objective of preventing and protecting women against workplace sexual harassment and to ensure effective redressal of complaints of sexual harassment. The statute aims at providing every woman (irrespective of her age or employment status) a safe, secure and dignified working environment, free from all forms of harassment. The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 is a legislative act in India that seeks to protect women from sexual harassment at their place of work. It was passed by the Lok Sabha on 3 September 2012. It was passed by the Rajya Sabha on 26 February 2013.

Roles and Responsibilities

Chairman:

The chairman of the committee ensures that there are regular meetings conducted and any grievance which is brought to the notice of the committee is amicably settled at the earliest.

Convenor:

The convenor has to ensure enough steps are taken to create awareness on the topic. If in case any grieved person approaches, he should immediately take up the matter on priority and call for a meeting with the committee members. A written complain is required to be taken from the aggrieved person, necessary action to be taken, preferably to settle the matter as soon as possible. In case the matter is not sorted, inquiry to be conducted and matter to be resolved within 10 days from the date of complaint.

External member:

As the external member is a person from outside the college, he/she shall be called for meetings. If any serious issue rises he/she would be asked to be present when the enquiry is conducted and would be kept informed with all the updates of the case. The external member is a neutral party to the case.

Members:

The members are vigilant all the time and ensure that there is no such incident taking place in campus by creating awareness and having an open dialogue with all the students and faculty members. Committee shall meet if any problem/requirement arises to understand their problems and to take necessary action and/or render them necessary advice/help to resolve the matter.

Activities

The committee organises training programs and sessions relating to prevention of sexual harassment cases in the campus. Awareness sessions are also conducted to sensitise the students on gender equality and sensitisation on the same.

1. Session on “Women’s Safety”

By: The Police officers Mr. Johnson and Mrs. Manjula

Date: 28-08-2021

An interactive session on “Women’s Safety” for the female teaching, non-teaching staff and students was organized on behalf of ‘Sahyadri Women Cell’ on 28-08-2021.

The Police officers Mr. Johnson and Mrs. Manjula were invited for the session. The Academic Dean Dr. Nalini Rebello welcomed the guests and gathering. The Police officers Mr. Johnson and Mrs. Manjula along with their supporting police officers provided awareness about the single emergency helpline number '112' for immediate assistance services to trigger an emergency response, especially for women. The Police Officer, Mr. Johnson explained the different ways of approaches for safety in difficult times. The session was an interactive one and all the women staff who were present clarified their doubts.

Vice Principal Prof. S.S. Balakrishna gave an insight on the 'Women safety measures' and Dr. F. Jyothi Serrao, Women Cell Coordinator proposed the vote of thanks.

2. Awareness Session on “POSH at Workplace” for Teaching & Non-Teaching Staff”

By: Ms. Nivedita Mirajkar, Chairperson of ISTD (Mangaluru/Udupi Chapter) and Ms. Vidya Shenoy, a Life Skills Coach

Date: 06-04-2021

Anti -Sexual Harassment Cell in collaboration with ISTD (Mangaluru/Udupi Chapter) organized an Awareness Session on “POSH at Workplace” for the employees of Sahyadri. The session saw participation from Engineering & MBA Departments, Administration, Hostel, Placements, Admission, Academics, Security and other departments. Ms. Nivedita Mirajkar, Chairperson of ISTD (Mangaluru/Udupi Chapter) and Ms. Vidya Shenoy, a Life Skills Coach were the resource persons.

Key Takeaways of the session:

• Mantra of Corporate world since 2018 – Gender Diversity & Inclusion
• Today, there is a call to make agricultural equipment women-friendly as majority of women involve actively in agriculture
• The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 - Definition of Sexual Harassment and Objectives of the Act
• Organizations with more than 10 employees need to constitute an ICC
• Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), a 4-member committee to handle cases related to Sexual Harassment
• Report on ‘Zero Occurrence’ should go to the Government in case there are NO cases reported
• “Not the intent of what you say, but the impact of what you say” will be considered while handling a Sexual harassment case.

The session was concluded by leaving behind a thought – “Let’s make our work environment safe for all to work in”

3. Talk on “Self-Care and Grooming”

Ms. Mercy Veena D'Souza

Founder of Mercy Beauty Academy and Salon

Date: 8-03-2021

In commemoration of International Women's Day, Sahyadri Women's Cell organized a Session on "Self-Care and Grooming for Women" by Mrs. Mercy Veena D'Souza, Professional Beauty Therapist and Founder of Mercy Beauty Academy, Mangaluru. Mrs. Mercy shared her life experience and her journey into the beauty industry and how she managed to build her own Academy. She encouraged the women to explore their potentials and never give up on any opportunity that will help them grow. She gave some important beauty and health tips for hair and skin care and also spoke about dressing etiquette and grooming. All the women teaching and non-teaching staff attended the session.

4. Talk on “Reproduction Health and Use & Advantages of Menstrual Cups”

By: Ms USHA RANI

Professional Social Worker

Date: 10-03-2020

In commemoration of World Women’s Day, the Women Cell of Sahyadri organized an awareness programme on “Reproduction Health and Use & Advantages of Menstrual Cups” for all the female teaching and non-teaching staffs on 10-03-2020.

Ms. Usha Rani, Professional Social Worker was invited to provide awareness about the problems related to use of conventional sanitary pads (Plastic Waste) and recommended the use of new high-grade silicon based Menstrual Cups for women to have healthy menstrual cycles. She also explained the advantages of using menstrual cups which can be reused after each menstrual cycle and explained the mechanism and lifetime of the cup.

The programme was an interactive one and all the women staff who were present, clarified their doubts and were enthusiastic in trying out the new healthy method of menstrual cycle.

5. Workshop on Gender Sensitization on the theme “Know your Rights”

By: Ms Anmol Kohli

ITC trainer

Date: 20-11-2019

Anti-Sexual Harassment Cell & NSS Unit in association with ITC Vivel , New Delhi organized a One-Day Workshop on Gender Sensitization on the theme “Know your Rights” for the Engineering/MBA students on 20th Nov’19.

Ms Anmol Kohli, ITC trainer, was the Resource Person. She discussed the following focus areas through an interactive presentation:

• Defining the need to know one’s rights and an introduction detailing fundamental rights and the concept of gender equality.
• Equality – At Work and at Home which details the legal rights and framework for sexual harassment, POCSO, domestic violence, divorce, alimony and inheritance.
• Cyber safety which includes cyber-crimes and laws related to it.

Around 500 students took part in the workshop. The Workshop was well accepted considering it as the need of the hour.

6. Session on “Impact of Social Media, Anti – Sexual Harassment & Crime Prevention”

By: Dr. Usha Mohan,

Chief Counsellor at Bengaluru Association

Date: 14-11-2019

Dr. Usha Mohan, Chief Counsellor at Bengaluru Association, a Non-Governmental Organization (BANGO) Trust, Bengaluru facilitated a session on “Impact of Social Media, Anti-Sexual Harassment & Crime Prevention” for Engineering/MBA students. She was accompanied by her spouse Mr. Mohan Kumar, Sr. Principal Engineer, ABBDubai.

Dr. Usha is a Counsellor in Vanitha Sahayavani, Commissioner of Police Office, Bengaluru. She has worked as a Senior Traffic Warden, Bengaluru. She was also a Civil Defense Warden, Bengaluru. She was a Trainer for Police Training School Personnel’s, Bengaluru and also a Trainer & Counsellor for Factory Employees, Garment Industries, IT Companies & Schools.

Key Takeaways from the session:

• Use Facebook and other social media platforms sparingly as Trafficking happens through Social Media these days
• When not close to parents, share your location with friends’ at least so that you can be tracked when in difficulty
• Anecdotes of Trafficking and how these high-risk cases were resolved
• Learn Self Defence techniques on Youtube
• Be energetic and loyal to self
• Suraksha APP, Be Safe APP, SOS APP to be used
• Importance of Swacch Bhoomi Thaayi (Motherland)
• POCSO Awareness (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences)

7. Talk on “Breast Cancer Awareness - An effort to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of breast cancer”

By: Dr. Rachan Shetty

Consultant Oncologist, A.J. Cancer Institute, Mangaluru

Date: 17-10-2019

In commemoration of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Sahyadri Women's Cell in association with A.J. Hospital & Research Centre, and A.J. Cancer Institute, Mangaluru in collaboration with Indian Cancer Society, Bengaluru, organized the "Breast Cancer Awareness Talk" on 17th Oct’19. The talk was essentially for the female teaching, non-teaching staff and students. The Talk was delivered by Dr. Rachan Shetty, Consultant Oncologist, A.J. Cancer Institute, Mangaluru. Dr. Rachan Shetty comes with an extensive experience in solid tumour oncology, treatment of breast, lung, liver, gastrointestinal, head and neck and gynaecological malignancy.

In his talk, Dr. Rachan Shetty explained in detail about the causes of breast cancer, risk factors, screening methods, early detection and the need for a reliable permanent cure. While talking about breast cancer statistics, he said that Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in women and the second most common cancer overall. Every year, over a million cases of breast cancer are reported.

Dr. Shetty effectively responded to the questions asked, by which the audience got clarification and enhanced their knowledge. A video on self-examinations, mammograms and other tests was also played for the benefit of the audience, in order to support the spoken words.

8. Talk on “Women's Rights & Laws”

By: Ms. Marlyn Martis

Director of Development Education Society (DEEDS),

Kadri, Mangaluru.

Date:19-12-2018

To create legal awareness about laws related to women among the students, A two-day awareness programme on “Women’s Rights and Laws” was organized for First year students at Sahyadri. Ms. Marlin Martis, Director of Development Education Society (DEEDS), Kadri, Mangaluru was the resource person for the session. She spoke about the Fundamental Rights and major Laws relating to women, POSCO Act, Anti-Harassment Laws and workplace women rights and laws.

9. Talk on “Self Defense Training for First-Year Engineering Students”

By: Mr. Karthik S. Kateel

Founder and CEO of Swaraksha for Women Trust

Date: 14-08-2018

To enable students to protect themselves from any form of assaults and harassments, a Self Defense Training programme was organized at Sahyadri. A well-known Martial Artist Mr. Karthik S. Kateel, Founder and CEO of Swaraksha for Women Trust was invited as the resource person. Mr. Karthik along with his mother Ms. Shobhalatha (to assist) demonstrated various self-defense techniques and tricks choreographed by him that students can use to protect themselves during times of danger. He also explained the psychological and logical tactics that can be used to protect self from assailants. He also advised precautions that the students should take to avoid becoming victims of kidnaps, assaults, gang-rapes and other dangerous situations. The workshop provided the students with various useful information and tips that they can use to be safe. While concluding, Mr. Karthik said that the power of self-defence is in the person’s mind and not in the muscles.

10. Training Session on “Safety and Protection from Abuse” for elementary school children

By: Mrs. Rashmitha Girish Nishal,

Student Welfare Officer, SCEM

Date: 13-06-2018

Ms. Rashmitha Girish Nishal, Student Welfare Officer conducted a training session on “Safety and Protection from Abuse” (Physical, Psychological and Sexual) for the students of elementary level at Government School, Netarakere, Benjanapadau.

The training was aimed at creating awareness among the school children about protecting themselves from danger and abuse. Ms. Rashmitha explained to the students about the ‘Good Touch-Bad touch’ and taught the students various precautionary measures that can help the students save themselves from danger. This programme was organized as a Community Outreach Programme and Social Initiative by Sahyadri Anti-Sexual Harassment Cell to help build a safer and a children-friendly society. Mr. Chandrashekar, Office Assistant, Dept. of Academics and Mr. Ankith S Kumar, Student Counsellor assisted the training.

11. Train the Trainer Session on ‘POSH’ for the MBA-HR Students

By: Ms. Shipra Rai,

HR - Diversity & Inclusion (Corporate Support) from Mphasis Pvt Ltd, Mangaluru

Date: 11-03-2019

Ms. Shipra Rai, HR - Diversity & Inclusion (Corporate Support) from Mphasis Pvt Ltd, Mangaluru facilitated a Train the Trainer Session on ‘POSH’ – Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace, for the students of MBA-HR specialization. Shipra has now diversified to be a Woman Entrepreneur owning Spindrift & ThymeRestaurant in Mangaluru along with her career as an HR.

Key Takeaways of the Train the Trainer Session on POSH

• Cases of Sexual Harassment & the role of HR’s in a case that is reported to them
• Perception Aspect at the receiving end is crucial while solving a Sexual Harassment case
• Myths of Sexual Harassment
• Workplace Sexual Harassment Act 2013
• Your responsibility as an HR/Individual to prevent sexual harassment
• HR’s are the enforcers hence first check your mannerism/attitude
• Carry “NO Nonsense” Attitude and not “Casual” Attitude at Workplace Students will soon have another session from Shipra Rai on “Diversity - LGBT and their inclusion at Workplace”.

12. Talk on “Women Health Awareness Programme

By: Dr. Anasuya Devi

Chief Medical Practitioner, Dattam Ayurdham

Date: 27-03-2018

A special awareness programme on Health and Fitness is organized exclusively for Women at Sahyadri Engineering & Management.Dr. Anasuya Devi, Chief Medical Practitioner at Dattam Ayurdham was invited as the resource person to address and interact with the audience. The Doctor shared valuable tips about healthy food habits and fitness. Before concluding a Question-Answer session was arranged so that the participants could clear their doubts related to health and hygiene, reproductive health and daily food habits. The session was interactive & valuable information was shared with respect to general health issues. She also addressed the different types of disorders and diseases, the reasons behind such occurrence and the remedial measures.

COMPOSITION OF THE ANTI SEXUAL COMMITTEE

The Committee against Sexual Harassment is formed as part of a larger institutional framework for the creation of a safe campus with utmost focus towards gender equity. The Committee’s chief mandate includes considering complaints or grievances in relation to sexual harassment offences committed on campus and awareness-raising.

It’s important that awareness and sensitization are crucial to preventing sexual harassment. The Committee conducts sensitization aimed at facilitating respectful interaction between gender. The present Committee consists of 5 members. There is a separate anti sexual harassment squad with representation from all the departments to ensure the smooth affairs with regard to working of the committee.

Anti-sexual Harassment Committee for the year 2023-24: