Strengthening Workplace Safety Frameworks
The primary objective of the conference is to reinforce effective implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, commonly known as the POSH Act. The event seeks to strengthen institutional mechanisms and promote accountability to ensure safer workplaces.
The gathering will bring together around 1,500 participants from more than 100 organisations representing government departments, private companies, international institutions, and civil society groups. This collaborative platform will encourage dialogue, knowledge sharing, and practical solutions to address workplace harassment.
The conference will also be webcast live, enabling wider participation and accessibility for stakeholders across India. This initiative demonstrates the government’s inclusive approach to spreading awareness and strengthening workplace protections.
SHe-Box Portal: A Key Digital Initiative
A major focus of the conference will be the SHe-Box portal, a digital platform launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development on August 29, 2024. The portal serves as a secure, multilingual, single-window system for women to file complaints related to workplace sexual harassment.
The platform allows users to submit complaints confidentially, which are then automatically forwarded to the appropriate Internal Committee or Local Committee for action. It also enables real-time tracking of complaints, improving transparency and accountability in grievance redressal.
In addition to complaint handling, the portal functions as a comprehensive resource hub. Employers can upload compliance reports, training details, and committee information, ensuring organisations adhere to legal obligations under the POSH Act.
Focus on Awareness, Training, and Compliance
The conference agenda includes several key initiatives to promote awareness and strengthen compliance. These include the launch of the official SHe-Box logo, a nationwide POSH training video, and information, education, and communication (IEC) materials.
Participants will also gain access to PoSH training resources through the Karmayogi Bharat platform, which supports continuous learning and skill development. This initiative aims to empower both employers and employees with knowledge of workplace safety rights and responsibilities.
A voluntary POSH compliance checklist will also be released during the event. This checklist is designed to help organisations assess their compliance levels and take corrective measures to improve workplace safety.
National and International Collaboration
The conference will host both national and international roundtable discussions to examine workplace safety practices and challenges. These discussions will focus particularly on strengthening compliance in the unorganised sector, where awareness and enforcement remain critical concerns.
International organisations and United Nations agencies will participate in the global roundtable session, sharing best practices and innovative approaches to workplace safety. This exchange of ideas will help align India’s policies with global standards while addressing local challenges.
Government officials and industry leaders will also discuss strategies to foster positive workplace cultures and build safe environments for women. These conversations aim to create sustainable frameworks that promote dignity, respect, and equality.
Driving Cultural and Institutional Change
The National Conference on SHe-Box goes beyond policy discussions by encouraging cultural transformation. It aims to build awareness, strengthen institutional systems, and promote behavioural change across workplaces.
By integrating digital tools, training programmes, and collaborative policymaking, the government seeks to create an environment where women can work safely and confidently. This effort aligns with India’s broader commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
The initiative also reinforces India’s leadership in promoting workplace dignity and safety. It highlights the government’s focus on strengthening compliance mechanisms and ensuring women’s rights are protected across industries and sectors.
Government’s Commitment to Women’s Empowerment
The conference represents a significant step in advancing workplace safety and ensuring effective implementation of legal protections for women. By strengthening reporting systems, improving compliance, and promoting awareness, the government aims to create safer and more inclusive workplaces.
The SHe-Box platform and related initiatives demonstrate the government’s commitment to leveraging technology and collaboration to protect women’s rights. These measures are expected to enhance transparency, accountability, and trust in workplace safety systems.
Through sustained efforts, awareness campaigns, and institutional reforms, the government continues to move towards building a secure, respectful, and equitable work environment for women across India.
