POSH

What Is the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)?

The Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) is a body set up within an organization to address complaints related to sexual harassment at the workplace. It is a legal requirement for all organizations with more than 10 employees to have an ICC to provide a safe and supportive environment for employees.

Filing a sexual harassment complaint at work can feel overwhelming, but under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, 2013, there are several types of support available to help employees who face harassment. The law ensures that complainants receive respect, confidentiality, and protection throughout the process. Let's break down the support you can expect:

Introduction

Many women hesitate to report workplace harassment because they fear retaliation from their employers, colleagues, or even clients.

Retaliation happens when an employer punishes an employee for speaking up against harassment or discrimination.

Common retaliation tactics include:

In today's fast-paced, ever-evolving business environment, workplace harassment remains one of the most significant challenges organisations face. Despite advancements in corporate policies and societal awareness, harassment still occurs, affecting not only the individuals directly involved but also the broader organisational culture.

Introduction

With the rise of remote work, virtual meetings, and online collaboration, workplace interactions have shifted to emails, video calls, chat platforms, and social media. While this has made work more flexible, it has also introduced new challenges- including sexual harassment in digital spaces.

Many people assume that POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace) laws apply only to physical offices, but that is not true. The POSH Act, 2013, applies to all workplaces, including virtual workplaces.

Introduction

Women in police forces and law enforcement agencies play a crucial role in maintaining law and order. However, sexual harassment in police departments remains a serious issue.

Did you know?

Many female police officers face sexual harassment from male colleagues, senior officers, and even the public. Gender discrimination and workplace bullying are common challenges. Reporting sexual harassment can be difficult due to hierarchical power structures.

Introduction

Retail and hospitality industries require employees to interact with customers daily, making female workers more vulnerable to workplace sexual harassment.

Introduction

Hospitals and healthcare facilities should be safe spaces for doctors, nurses, and medical staff. However, sexual harassment is a major issue in the healthcare industry.

Did you know?
A 2021 survey found that over 40% of female healthcare workers have faced workplace harassment.
Harassment can come from senior doctors, hospital staff, patients, or even visitors.
Many women do not report harassment due to fear of career damage or job loss.