An Interactive Session on Understanding about a Safe Environment at Workplace for Women

The Internal Committee of Nirmala Institute of Education, Altinho, Panaji under the aegis of IQAC, NIE, organised an interactive session for the B.Ed students, Faculty and the Administrative staff on the topic titled Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace- PoSH Act 2013’ on 10th July 2026. The Resource person for the session was Dr. Sabina Martins, the Founder of ‘Bailancho Saad’(NGO), a retired teacher, social activist, and an advocate. Ms. Shylaja Sherief, Assistant Professor in Education introduced the resource person and Ms. Melissa Pacheco, member of Internal Committee welcomed the resource person with a potted plant.

 The programme aimed to create awareness about workplace safety, legal rights of women and children, and the mechanisms available to address cases of sexual harassment of women at the workplace. During her interaction, Dr. Martins shared some of her experiences while working towards women's rights and social justice through ‘Bailancho Saad’. 

Dr. Sabina Martins began the session by tracing the evolution of the PoSH Act and explained that the Vishaka Guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court, formed the foundation for the enactment of the PoSH Act, 2013. She emphasised the importance of ensuring a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace by preventing sexual harassment and providing an effective redressal mechanism for victims. She explained the various forms of sexual harassment and stressed the importance of recognising and reporting such behaviour. Using some videos, real-life examples, she helped participants identify situations that constitute sexual harassment. She further discussed relevant provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, covering offences such as stalking, voyeurism, rape, gang rape, and acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman.

The session concluded with participants gaining greater awareness of their rights and responsibilities under the PoSH Act. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Chrystal Braganza, student representative of IC, NIE. followed by concluding remarks by the Principal, Dr. Russell D’Souza. who expressed appreciation to Dr. Sabina Martins for her informative and insightful session and for sharing her expertise and creating greater awareness about workplace rights and responsibilities.

 Ms.Valanka Rebelo, S.Y.B.Ed. student compered the programme. The session was coordinated and managed by Associate Professor Ms. Suvarna Gauns, Presiding officer of Internal Committee of Nirmala Institute of Education Panaji.