India
Amid the rising number of allegations of sexual misconduct against men, the WCD ministry said that it was trying to put in place a legal and administrative structure
New Delhi: Union Woman and Child Development (WCD) Minister Maneka Gandhi on Saturday posted a 'self-training' video on Twitter, to "help working women and men, as well as employers, understand the nuances of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Work Act (2013)".
Amid the rising number of allegations of sexual misconduct against men, the WCD ministry said that it was trying to put in place a legal and administrative structure.
Gandhi shared a ‘self-training’ video on her Twitter handle on Saturday.
We have prepared a comprehensive self-training video to help working women and men, as well as employers, understand the nuances of the Act.
Please watch & absorb this video. It will help us understand where to https://t.co/9wO5SSZbVZ
Earlier, Gandhi said that victims facing sexual harassment at work can also file complaints with Shebox.nic.in. Even though the WCD minister’s efforts were lauded, she also faced criticism, with people asking her efforts to be exclusive of all women.
According to section 354A of the Indian Penal Code, sexual harassment is- unwelcome physical contact and advances, including unwanted and explicit sexual overtures, a demand or request for sexual favours, showing someone sexual images (pornography) without their consent, and making unwelcome sexual remarks.
It is punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine.
The Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India (MOW&CD, GOI) has succinctly identified five parameters of workplace sexual harassment, viz., sexual, subjective, unwelcome, impact and power.
According to the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, sexual harassment includes any one or more of the following unwelcome acts or behaviour (whether directly or by implication):
1. Physical contact and advances
2. A demand or request for sexual favours
3. Making sexually coloured remarks
4. Showing pornography
5. Any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature
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