PG

Prajnanandan Giri

Question 17GS2GS1

How has the implementation of the POSH not resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to protect women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment.

Open scan (p.42)

Introduction

POSH Act was formulated to prevent sexual harassment of women at workplace as per Visakha judgement of Supreme Court. However, the implementation is faced with various challenges.

27 words

Main Body

Limited success in raising awareness -

1. Lack of creation of Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) by various organizations.

2. Limited focus of district administrationMost of the districts don't have Local Complaint Committee
[boxed text:] Factors that have hindered its outreach to women in unorganized sector

1. Limitation of the law to organized sectors

2. Women in unorganized sectors comes from poorer sectionLacks financial capability to fight a case
3. Stereotype associated with sexual violencepreteen silence

4. Limited role of Government to spread the law to unorganized sector.

5. Limited access to education

Strategies to bridge the gap & comprehensive protection for women in unorganized sector

1. Extend the purview of act to unorganized sector

2. Effective monitoring of implementation by Labour department, Police and Women Commission.

3. Formal grievance redressal mechanism

4. Awareness program through labour groups, media, and newspapers

5. Penalties on violators / employee for non-compliance

6. Sensitisation of all stakeholders

Sexual harassment anywhere affect the bodily autonomy as well as mental health of women. It must be dealt with strong intent to ensure gender justice and effective female labour participation rate.

191 words16 paragraphs
  • Identifies specific structural issues
  • Clear distinction between organized and unorganized sectors
  • Mentions landmark judgment

Topper

Prajnanandan Giri

Subject & Paper

GS2GS1

Topic

Role of Women and Women's Organization

Women's safety and workplace harassment

POSH Act implementation challenges

Writing Stats

218

Total words

16

Paragraphs

analytical and critical

Tone