~ The workshop presented the evolution of business this past decade, the relevance and importance of POSH beyond workplace safety, and covered best practices for an efficient and effective compliance process ~
~ The event was inaugurated by. Ms. Rekha Sharma, Hon’ble Chairperson of the NCW and facilitated by Ms. Priyanka Chaturvedi Agrawal, Head, Inclusional, Jet Social Impact ~
India, 21st August 2023: Inclusional, Jet Social Impact – a tech-enabled, diversity, inclusion and belonging (DIB) boutique consultancy, from the house of JetSynthesys – successfully delivered the ‘POSH beyond compliance’ workshop in Mumbai today. As the POSH Knowledge Partners of the National Commission for Women (NCW), the team aimed at improving the awareness of the prevention of sexual harassment (POSH) act and compliance for India Inc. and saw enthusiastic participation from professionals across diverse sectors.
Marking the 10th anniversary year of the POSH Act, the workshop shared data and insights on the significance of this Act beyond mandatory compliance. The session highlighted the business case for POSH; getting higher RoI from compliance (ESG, GDP, Brand etc) and breaking the myth that the law favours any one particular gender. The Act was showcased as the first crucial step to a successful diversity and inclusion strategy.
Sharing his thoughts on the occasion Mr. Rajan Navani said, “At JetSynthesys, we launched Inclusional under Jet Social Impact with an aim to champion significant social causes including the POSH Act. By nurturing diversity and empowering every individual, we not only enrich our workplaces but also contribute to a more harmonious society, where every voice matters and every person thrives. We are happy to collaborate with NCW and look forward to bringing more such conversations to the forefront.”
Crucial biases about the law were addressed whilst stressing on the importance of creating the right awareness so that workplace safety becomes a norm and a shared responsibility of both employees and the employer. The significance of using the POSH Act rightfully and how there is a need for certain changes and upgrades in the Act was also highlighted in the session.
Ms. Rekha Sharma, the Honourable Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, emphasized the importance of continued efforts in creating safe and inclusive work environments, stating, “In the corporate corridors of India, women face several battles – not only must they conquer the challenges of business and family, but they must also defy the currents of a society that often seeks to confine them. Despite the hurdles, we have to acknowledge that women today are on the path for change, casting aside the weight of tradition to script a new narrative of empowerment and equality. The collaboration between NCW and Inclusional, an arm of Jet Social Impact is a pivotal step towards fostering awareness and promoting compliance in workplaces across India. The POSH Act has played a crucial role in ensuring the dignity and safety of every employee, and this workshop is a testament to our commitment to furthering these principles.”
Ms. Priyanka Agrawal, Head of Inclusional, in her address highlighted the multifaceted significance of POSH and said, “At Inclusional, we believe in substance over form. The reach of the POSH Act extends beyond gender, weaving a fabric of safety and respect across workplaces. By embracing the ethos of the act, we not only shield individuals but also fortify the foundations of economic growth, fostering a nation where every worker’s potential finds its wings. Unless everyone feels physically and psychologically safe at work, all other inclusion efforts are like a bucket with a giant hole. The bias that is favours one gender shows a complete lack of awareness of the law and that is what we hope to change, at scale using tech. Extremely grateful that the NCW considered us worthy of this partnership.”
The event was attended by representatives of diverse corporates such as Wizcraft entertainment agency, Fractal, Cisco, The Indian hotels company, Hatway digital, Indian Oil Corporation, SBI DFHI Limited, Exceed entertainment, IDMA, Indian Banks Association, Avik Pharmaceuticals among others. The recent news around POSH, ensuing tightening by courts and regulators; and intense social media scrutiny indicates that this crucial agenda is back in the spotlight. Organisations that claim to care about its people can no longer afford to brush compliance under the carpet.
