National Commission for Women Focuses on Safer Workplaces for Women

Udaipur,  The Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), Mrs. Vijaya Rahatkar, emphasized the evolving role of women as "Wonder Women," excelling not only in managing homes but also actively contributing to the workforce. Highlighting women’s progress across various sectors, she stressed the need to ensure a safe and secure working environment for them. The Government of India enacted the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, to address such concerns and protect women's dignity at work.

Mrs. Rahatkar addressed a division-level review meeting on Tuesday at the District Council Auditorium to assess the implementation of the Act. The event was graced by District In-Charge and Revenue Minister Mr. Hemant Meena, Udaipur MP Dr. Mannalal Rawat, Divisional Commissioner Ms. Pragya Kevalramani, and IG Banswara S. Parimala, among other dignitaries.

Promoting Awareness and Strengthening Committees
The NCW Chairperson highlighted the Act’s significance in empowering women to work with dignity and fearlessness. During the meeting, she reviewed feedback from officials regarding the functioning of Internal Committees at workplaces, as mandated by the Act, and evaluated the awareness levels among employees. She emphasized that workplaces with 10 or more female employees must form an Internal Committee, while complaints from smaller workplaces should be handled by Local Committees under the leadership of the District Collector. Mrs. Rahatkar encouraged women employees to report any incidents of harassment without hesitation.

The meeting included a presentation by an NCW representative, who provided a comprehensive overview of the Act’s provisions and guidelines.

Actionable Directives Issued
Mrs. Rahatkar directed officials to:

Ensure Internal Committees hold meetings every three months.

Promote widespread awareness about the Act by displaying informational posters and materials.

Organize review meetings for Internal Committee Chairpersons every six months.

Conduct training workshops for Internal Committee members in all departments across the district.

Acknowledgment of Contributions
The program began with Divisional Commissioner Ms. Pragya Kevalramani welcoming Mrs. Rahatkar with a bouquet. Deputy Director of Women and Child Development, Mr. Sanjay Joshi, extended greetings to the other dignitaries.

Participants and Attendance
The meeting witnessed the presence of Superintendent of Police Mr. Yogesh Goyal, Additional Divisional Commissioner Mr. Chhogaram Devasi, ADM Administration Mr. Dipendra Singh Rathore, Municipal Commissioner Mr. Ramprakash, NCW Senior Coordinator Ms. Leelavati M., and representatives from various districts of the Udaipur division, along with several voluntary organizations.

Captions:

NCW Meeting 1: Udaipur. NCW Chairperson Mrs. Vijaya Rahatkar reviews the division-level implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act. Also present: In-Charge Minister Mr. Hemant Meena and MP Dr. Mannalal Rawat.

NCW Meeting 2: Udaipur. Officials and participants attend the division-level review meeting on workplace safety for women.