HYDERABAD: Employers in both government and private organisations must constitute an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) at every workplace with 10 or more employees to address complaints of sexual harassment, stated Telangana State Women Commission Chairperson Nerella Sharada. She was speaking during the Telangana–North East Connect panel discussion on Women’s Safety: Prevention and Frontline Action on Women’s Safety.
Other panellists said that along with constituting ICCs, the state government should set up counselling centres at all locations to ensure proper support for women. They stressed the need for public awareness campaigns and incorporating gender equality and non-violence education in educational institutions. The session was moderated by Anitha Ramachandran.
Director General of ACB Charu Sinha stressed several women’s safety initiatives, “There are around 33 centres across the state. I won’t say that we have succeeded 100 per cent in helping women victims, but we have made a decent beginning. With the new video conference rooms coming up soon at the centres, it will help a lot in ensuring even the trial is conducted online,” she said.
Nagaland IPS officer Pritipal Kaur said, “Women’s safety requires a multi-faceted approach combining prevention strategies that challenge gender inequality and frontline actions providing immediate support and legal recourse for survivors.” She urged police to support people from the Northeast working in Telangana.
Nerella Sharada added that ICCs also hold civil court powers for gathering evidence.
The second day of Telangana–North East Connect featured cultural exchanges, panel discussions on women’s empowerment, fine arts and literature, and a fashion show showcasing attire from Telangana and the Northeast. Several MoUs will be signed on Saturday between Telangana and Northeastern states.