Kohima: The Administrative Training Institute and the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms finished a two-day workshop in Kohima. They focused on stopping sexual harassment in government offices. Officials from various districts attended the July 7 to 8 event.
V Shashank Shekhar, Additional Chief Secretary and Director General of ATI, led the sessions. Participants opened up about the hurdles they face. Fear of retaliation keeps many victims silent. Others don't report incidents because they fear the stigma that follows. Workers also noted that people often brush off verbal harassment and dirty jokes as normal office behavior.
Everyone wants safer offices. Participants pushed for better awareness regarding the PoSH Act. They want stronger Internal Complaints Committees and Local Committees to handle reports. Accountability is mandatory for progress.
The group suggested that churches and civil society groups must help set better standards. They also noted that parents need to teach ethics early. During the discussion, Shekhar told the group, "pointing out unrighteousness is also righteousness."
Key organizers included ATI Additional Director Bendanglila and workshop coordinator Kaholi Sema. The team plans to use these findings to push for a culture of respect across all government departments.
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