Prevention of Sexual Harassment at the Workplace (POSH)
As part of its commitment to social change, the YWCA of India has taken up a range of challenges in response to the changing needs of communities, particularly women. Its work seeks to empower women to take charge of their lives and make informed decisions for themselves. This work includes:
- Building women’s capacity through planned and ongoing advocacy and community development initiatives, trainings, seminars, workshops, conventions and consultations.
- Creating platforms where women can articulate their experiences, seek solutions, and learn about laws and their legal rights.
- Providing counselling and crisis-intervention programmes for women experiencing violence and harassment.
- Supporting redress mechanisms through Complaints Committees dealing with sexual harassment in the workplace.
- Monitoring and advocating for gender-sensitive policies and laws, while challenging unfair and discriminatory practices.
The YWCA of India’s involvement in Complaints Committees for the prevention of sexual harassment at the workplace
Following the Supreme Court’s judgment in Vishaka and Others v. State of Rajasthan on 13 August 1997, guidelines were laid down for preventing and addressing sexual harassment at the workplace in the absence of specific legislation. The guidelines required employers and institutions to establish an appropriate complaint mechanism and provided for Complaints Committees, with a woman heading the committee, at least half of its members being women, and the involvement of a third party such as an NGO or other organization familiar with the issue.
Several ministries, banks and government departments, aware of the YWCA’s work in the empowerment and development of women, invited it to serve as an NGO representative on such committees.
According to the YWCA of India, it was invited by the Ministry of Women and Child Development to work with government agencies, including NIPCCD and NCW, as well as legal organizations, including Lawyers Collective, to identify matters for inclusion in the proposed legislation on sexual harassment at the workplace. The YWCA states that the suggestions made by the group were incorporated into the draft legislation.
The YWCA of India was also invited by a Parliamentary Standing Committee to present its views on the draft legislation before it was considered by both Houses of Parliament. According to the YWCA, its suggestions were considered by the Committee. The legislation was enacted in 2013 as the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
What has the YWCA of India done since then
The transition from a relatively closed economy towards greater liberalization and globalization brought new ideas and ways of living, increased exposure to unrealistic aspirations, and widening gaps between aspirations and opportunities. The YWCA of India sought to respond by focusing on preventive measures, raising awareness, challenging gender stereotypes, identifying gaps in legislation and strengthening protective mechanisms for the effective redressal of complaints.
The YWCA works primarily in urban and semi-urban communities that include nurses, homemakers, students, teachers and health practitioners. Through continuous engagement with communities, families, media, decision-makers and enforcement authorities, it has worked to create greater awareness and strengthen advocacy around sexual harassment and gender equality.
The YWCA of India was subsequently invited to serve on Complaints Committees. At the time this account was written, the organization reported serving on 42 committees and nominating members with the experience and sensitivity required to address these issues.
The YWCA also initiated awareness and training programmes in corporate organizations, ministries, banks, private offices and community settings after identifying a lack of awareness about the guidelines and the issue of sexual harassment among staff and committee members. YWCA members and staff have also received training to enable them to serve on Complaints Committees.
Additionally, the YWCA of India has been invited to advise and guide YWCA units outside Delhi that require support in handling such matters.
The YWCA has developed posters and handbooks that have been used by several agencies in prominent locations to raise awareness.
As part of its commitment to this issue, the YWCA of India has also developed materials for use by survivors and Complaints Committees when required. It has adopted a policy on sexual harassment at the workplace, which forms part of the personnel policies for YWCA of India staff.
Building Networks
As noted in the “Theory of Change”, collaborative efforts with partners are intended “to develop solidarity with one another through peer groups and collective action.” Over the years, the YWCA of India has built numerous networks and engaged with NGOs, donors, individual partners, government agencies, civic bodies and other like-minded organizations.
Through forums, safe spaces and online communities, the YWCA supports young women in advocating for their rights through campaigns and collective action. One campaign described in the organization’s earlier account called for increased reservation for women in policy-making bodies, with the campaign’s demand later described as 50% reservation.
Child Rights
The YWCA of India continues to liaise with the India Alliance for Child Rights under the guidance of Ms. Razia Ismail, participating in meetings and discussions on child rights, gaps in the National Plan of Action for Children, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
On 1 October 2018, the YWCA of India was invited to the “International Human Rights Conclave” organized by the National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) for a session on “Women and Children and SDGs: Prospects”.
The YWCA has also worked to revive the Delhi Chapter of NACG-EVAC (National Action and Coordination Group for Ending Violence against Children).
50% Reservation
The YWCA of India’s advocacy described in this account included a demand for 50% reservation for women in political representation. The organization reported organizing and participating in demonstrations, peace marches and protests with other NGOs and women’s organizations. It also conducted a national signature campaign, through which 4,000 signatures were sent to the YWCA of India by 13 local Associations.
The YWCA also reported engaging with political leaders and parliamentarians, including meetings with Ms. Sonia Gandhi and then President of India Mr. Ram Nath Kovind. The campaign sought endorsements from Members of Parliament and other political representatives through rallies and signature campaigns across the country.
Since this original account was published, the legal position has changed. In 2023, Parliament enacted the Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act, 2023, providing for reservation of approximately one-third of the directly elected seats in the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies and the Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi for women. The Act provides that these reservations will take effect after the required delimitation exercise following publication of the relevant figures from the first census conducted after the Act’s commencement.
The YWCA of India continues to describe advocacy and justice for women as a national concern and has an all-India presence.
YWCA has been actively engaging in result-oriented advocacy actions such as:
- Drafting policies.
- Providing consultancy on setting up Complaints Committees.
- Supporting investigation processes.
- Creating awareness through interactive sessions, trainings and workshops.
- Providing counselling and referral services.
- Preparing IEC materials, including posters and flyers, in regional languages.
Online training workshops have also been conducted on gender sensitization, Prevention of Sexual Harassment at the Workplace, and mental health awareness.
Silent rally to demand equal rights for Dalit Christians
The source account describes a silent rally organized by the CBCI, the National Council of Churches in India, the National Council of Dalit Christians and the Federation of Catholic Associations of the Archdiocese of Delhi. The rally proceeded from Ramlila Maidan to Jantar Mantar, followed by a public meeting.
The organizers called for equal rights for Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims and argued that their treatment on religious grounds was inconsistent with the equality guarantees of the Constitution, including Article 15.
People’s March in defense of the republic
Organized by Peoples March, the event brought together approximately 2,000 people from different walks of life. Participants assembled at Mandi House and marched to Jantar Mantar in response to events that, according to the organizers, reflected inequality and intolerance in the country.
The advisory group for a study on support structures for survivors of trafficking
The YWCA of India participated in an advisory group meeting at Women Power Connect (WPC) on 18 November 2016 concerning a research study on support structures for survivors of trafficking.
The study included the development of a resource directory containing contact numbers and other information that survivors might need. The YWCA was invited to comment on the draft framework of the directory. It suggested adding Childline to the list of contacts and recommended background research on the shelter homes whose numbers would be provided, emphasizing the importance of directing survivors to safe and appropriate services.
Not In My Name Protest
On 28 June 2017, citizens held a silent protest against targeted mob violence and lynching. The Delhi protest was held at Jantar Mantar following the killing of 16-year-old Junaid Khan on a Mathura-bound train on 22 June 2017. The “Not In My Name” protest was organized by citizens and groups to condemn such violence and to call for an end to hatred and mob attacks.
Child Rights
The YWCA of India has actively partnered with the India Alliance for Child Rights, participating in meetings and discussions on child rights, gaps in the National Plan of Action for Children, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Delhi meetings have focused on the right to life, quality of survival, and protection from violence, while also considering the broader influences affecting child development and related services. As part of its work against child marriage, the YWCA of India, together with other organizations, has supported advocacy around the age provisions in the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, including a demand for equal legal marriageable ages for boys and girls.