Female employees advised to report office misconduct
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, May 14 2025: The Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW) oh Wednesday organised a one-day sensitisation programme on 'Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013' at the SIRD Hall, RD & PR Directorate, Imphal East.

Delivering the welcome address, W Phajatombi Devi, member secretary of MSCW and additional director (IPR), noted that while incidents of sexual harassment often go unreported, they are prevalent across a range of office settings and must be addressed proactively.

Stating that the discourse is in continuation of the Commission's ongoing campaign to raise awareness about women's safety at workplaces, Phajatombi emphasised the significance of Internal Committees, formed in line with Supreme Court directives, which are mandated to function in accordance with the 2013 Act.

These committees, she explained, are essential in ensuring timely and sensitive handling of complaints within institutions.

In her keynote address, Thumlip Tiningpham Monsang, chairperson of MSCW, highlighted the Commission's pivotal role since its inception in 2006 .

She described the MSCW as a crucial forum where women can report cases of domestic violence, workplace harassment, discrimination, and other forms of mistreatment.

The chairperson reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to providing a secure and confidential space for women to seek redressal, offering both counselling and legal support.

She urged women to come forward without fear or hesitation and spoke about the Commission's efforts in mediating family disputes, underlining the detrimental impact broken families can have on children's emotional development.

Drawing a parallel, she described the workplace as a 'second home', stating that when misconduct occurs - particularly harassment by a senior colleague - it creates a hostile environment.

This, she added, can severely affect an employee's morale, sense of security, and productivity.

Speaking at the event, Ksh Umananda Singh, director of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, acknowledged that while reported cases in Manipur may appear limited, sexual harassment remains a widespread issue across India.

He attributed underreporting to deep-rooted stigma and fear of social backlash.

Umananda called on staff to adopt an empathetic and informed approach in addressing such matters, advocating for the creation of safer and more inclusive workspaces.

A technical session on the 2013 Act was conducted by advocate Thiyam Rajkishore.

The programme was also attended by MSCW members Chuongsin Koireng, Lourembam Dayabati Devi, and SK Sophia Moyon, among others.

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