Tanveer Hussain
Budgam, September 21: An awareness programme was organised at Town Hall Beerwah to create awareness about the law providing protection to women from sexual harassment at the workplace. The programme was organised by the Tehsil Legal Services Committee Beerwah under the aegis of the Jammu and Kashmir Legal Services Authority and the District Legal Services Authority Budgam.
Asha workers and other participants attended the programme. The participants were sensitised about protection of women from sexual harassment at the workplace, prevention of harassment, the rights and responsibilities of employees and employers, the procedure for filing complaints, and available legal remedies.
On the occasion, Aaliya Farooq, Public Prosecutor officer Beerwah, along with Advocate Inayat Malik, Advocate Tariq Ahmad and panel lawyers, addressed the participants. The speakers highlighted various legal aspects related to sexual harassment at the workplace, the procedure for redressal of complaints, and the role and responsibilities of Internal Complaints Committees.
Addressing the gathering, Aaliya Farooq underscored the importance of legal awareness in preventing sexual harassment at workplaces and said that women should be aware of their rights and protections available under the law. She stressed the need to create an environment where every individual can perform their duties with dignity, respect and safety.
Advocate Inayat Malik highlighted key provisions of the law and explained the importance of prevention, prohibition and redressal of complaints related to sexual harassment. He said that awareness about legal rights and responsibilities can play an important role in strengthening the system of protection for women.
Advocate Tariq Ahmad, while speaking to the media, stressed the need for wider awareness about laws concerning the protection of women at workplaces. He said that in case of any legal issue or requirement, appropriate legal guidance should be sought and the concerned institutions approached.
The panel lawyers also interacted with the participants and provided information about legal procedures, available legal remedies and the role of legal services institutions in facilitating access to justice.
The speakers said that legal awareness is an important means of protection and empowerment. They urged the participants to remain aware of their legal rights and responsibilities and approach the concerned authorities or legal services institutions whenever required.
During the programme, participants raised various questions regarding protection from workplace harassment, the procedure for filing complaints, legal rights and available facilities. The speakers provided detailed responses to their queries.
At the conclusion of the programme, emphasis was laid on legal awareness as an important step towards protection, empowerment and access to justice. The participants were urged to promote legal awareness at their respective workplaces and in society so that more people become aware of laws concerning the protection of women and the procedures for availing available legal remedies.
