A seminar on the topic of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Act was successfully organised at Janki Devi Memorial College

Bureau Chief Vijay Gaur - New Delhi

A seminar on the topic of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act was organised under the joint aegis of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) and the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of Janki Devi Memorial College. The event was graced by the presence of the esteemed guest speaker, Ms. Rekha Aggarwal Advocate Supreme Court of India . Prof. Payal Nagpal, IQAC Coordinator, welcomed the guest with a token of appreciation. The session commenced under the guidance and leadership of Prof. Payal Nagpal.

 Ms. Aggarwal began her address by referring to the 1997 Bhanwari Devi case, shedding light on the realities of a patriarchal society. She elaborated on the sexual harassment Bhanwari Devi faced and the societal reactions that followed. Emphasizing the core purpose of the Vishakha group, she discussed the public interest litigation filed by the organization in the Supreme Court, which brought attention to the issue of women’s safety and the plight of Bhanwari Devi. She went on to elaborate on the Vishakha Guidelines and the legislative framework of the PoSH Act. Through a historical lens, she addressed the structural discrimination against women, referencing Article 15(4), which permits affirmative action for the advancement of women and children. She further discussed the concept of sexual harassment and the challenges faced by women in the workplace. Her address also touched upon the idea of ‘Ram Rajya’ as an imagined utopia and the idealized persona of Lord Ram. In addition, she critiqued the portrayal of obscene content in popular cinema. The session was highly interactive, with enthusiastic participation from both teaching and non-teaching staff. Many attendees raised thoughtful questions and engaged in meaningful dialogue with the speaker. 

 The Principal of the college, Professor Swati Pal, also addressed the gathering, stating that the evolving times and social contexts have given rise to new questions, which must be addressed. She emphasized the need for continuous dialogue on such critical issues. 

The seminar concluded successfully under the able leadership of Prof. Sudha Upadhyay, Presiding Officer of the ICC. Both Prof. Payal Nagpal and Prof. Sudha Upadhyay expressed their gratitude to the IQAC and ICC teams, as well as to the teaching and non-teaching staff. Endorsing Principal Prof. Swati Pal’s insights, they remarked that such sessions, which stir profound questions and challenge preconceived answers, must be encouraged and continued.