The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal Act), 2013 was enacted to ensure safe working spaces for women and to build enabling work environments that respect women’s right to equality of status and opportunity. The act is an extension of the Vishaka Guidelines issued by the Supreme Court in 1997. The Supreme Court of india , for the first time, in the Vishaka Guidelines, acknowledged Sexual Harassment at the workplace as a human rights violation. An effective implementation of the Act will contribute to the realization of their right to gender equality, life and liberty, equality in working conditions everywhere. The sense of security at the workplace will improve women’s participation in work, resulting in their economic empowerment and inclusive growth.
In accordance to Section 4 (I) of the Sexual Harassment of women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (14 of 2013) and OM dated 21.07.2009 in F.No.11013/3/2009-Esst.(A) issued by the Deptt. of Personnel & Training, Govt. of India, Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad has constituted an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to inquire into the complaints of sexual harassment of female employees of the Institute. The ICC at PRL makes sure that the policy is communicated to all PRL women employees, display details of the dedicated officers at all its Notice Boards, conduct sensitization activities and have informal get-togethers to promote gender equality at regular intervals.