- PREAMBLE
- ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- ACTIVITIES
- COMPOSITION OF THE ANTI SEXUAL COMMITTEE
- Anti-sexual Harassment Committee for the year 2021-22
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.
DEFINITION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT
For this purpose, sexual harassment includes such unwelcome sexually determined behaviour (whether directly or by implication) as:
- Physical contact and advances;
- A demand or request for sexual favours;
- Sexually coloured remarks;
- Showing pornography;
- Any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature
The college has taken various initiatives to support the Students, Teaching and Non-teaching Staff in the campus. In order to have the best learning and working experience and as per the Law, the college has taken all care to protect and safeguard the students and the employees from any acts of sexual harassment and provide an environment free of gender based discrimination.
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.
Odd Semester | |
---|---|
August- September | Reconstitution of the cell (if needed) |
October- November | POSH awareness program |
December | The committee shall meet to review |
Even Semester | |
February- May | Invited speakers on gender equity |
June | The committee shall meet to review |
Sl. no | Activities Organized | Date | No. of Beneficiaries |
2021-22 | |||
---|---|---|---|
1. | Session on “Women’s Safety” By: The Police officers Mr. Johnson and Mrs. Manjula |
28-08-2021 | 70 (Teaching and Non-teaching Lady staff) |
2020-21 | |||
1. | Awareness Session on “Posh at Workplace” for the Employees of Sahyadri By: Nivedita Mirajkar, Chairperson –ISTD Mangalore/Udupi Chapter, Vidya Shenoy, Accredited Life Skills Coach |
06-04-2021 | 25 (Teaching Faculty-workshop) |
2. | Talk on “Self-Care and Grooming” By: Ms. Mercy Veena D'Souza Founder of Mercy Beauty Academy and Salon |
8-03-2021 | 75 (Teaching and Non-teaching Lady staff) |
2019-20 | |||
1. | Talk on “Reproduction Health and Use & Advantages of Menstrual Cups” By: Ms USHA RANI Professional Social Worker |
10-03-2020 | 117 (Teaching and Non-teaching Lady staff, Girl students of Start-up Company) |
2. | Workshop on Gender Sensitization on the theme “Know your Rights” By: Ms Anmol Kohli ITC trainer |
20-11-2019 | 350 (Students-Boys & Girls) |
3. | Session on “Impact of Social Media, Anti - Sexual Harassment & Crime Prevention” By: Dr. Usha Mohan, Counsellor in Vanitha Sahayavani, Commissioner of Police of Police Office, Bengaluru |
14-11-2019 | 540 (Students- Boys & Girls) |
4. | Session 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 |
17-10-2019 | 115 (Teaching and Non-teaching Lady staff, Girl students of Start-up Company) |
2018-19 | |||
1. | Talk on “Women's Rights & Laws” By: Ms. Marlyn Martis, Director of Development Education Society (DEEDS), Kadri, Mangaluru |
14-08-2018 | 700 (Students-Boys &Girls) |
2. | Training Session on “Self Defense Training for First-Year Engineering Students” By: Mr. Karthik S. Kateel, Founder and CEO of Swaraksha for Women Trust |
14-08-2018 | 700 (Students-Boys &Girls) |
3. | Training Session on “Safety And Protection From Abuse” for the students of Elementary level at Government School, Neterakere, Benjanapadau By: Ms. Rashmitha Girish Nishal, Student Welfare Officer, SCEM |
13-06-2018 | 100 (School Students-Boys & Girls) |
4. | Train the Trainer Session on “POSH” - Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace By: Ms. Shipra Rai, HR – Diversity & Inclusion from Mphasis Pvt Ltd. |
11-03-2018 | 25 (Students) |
2017-18 | |||
1. | Talk on “Women Health Awareness Programme” By: Dr. Anasuya Devi Chief Medical Practitioner Datta Ayurdham |
27-03-2018 | 70 (Teaching and Non-teaching Lady staff) |
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.
Sl. no | Role | Designation |
1. | Principal | Chairman |
2. | Senior position -woman | Convenor |
3. | Member from NGO/social worker/legal back ground | External member |
4. | Legal knowledge /social work/women related work | Employee member |
5. | Legal knowledge /social work/women related work | Employee member |
Anti-sexual Harassment Committee for the year 2021-22:
Sl. no | Representation | Designation | Phone no. |
1. | Dr. Rajesha S | Chairperson | 9448100123 |
2. | Dr. Vishal Samartha | Convenor | 9886184413 |
3. | Mrs.Shipra Rai | External member | 9880729522 |
4. | Mrs. Shreelatha U A AAO-SCEM | Employee member | 9916408544 |
5. | Mr. Ankith Kumar | Employee member | 9632848204 |
6. | Mrs. Madhura Hegde | Employee member | 9986429412 |
Guidelines to be strictly followed:
- The complainant will have to submit a written and signed complaint addressed to the convenor of the Cell.
- The counsellor will call the complainant for a personal meeting, usually within a week from the submission of the written complaint
- The members of the Cell will discuss the complaint
- If the case falls outside the purview of the Cell, the complaint will be informed to the Principal
- If the case comes under the purview of the Cell, an enquiry committee will be set up
- The Committee will submit a report and recommend the nature of action to be taken at the earliest (not exceeding ten days)