New Delhi, December 06, 2023.

In accordance with ’16 days of activism against gender-based violence’ annual campaign, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) today commenced a two-day capacity building programme for its officials under the sexual harassment of women at workplace act, 2013.

The inaugural session was convened in the presence of Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE, along with other senior officials of the Ministry along with representatives of UN Women.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary MSDE, expressed that “Capacity building programmes such as the one being conducted today are important in creating awareness forevery official toconduct oneself appropriately at the workplace. It is necessary that a safe a secure environment for all employees becomes a part of the workplace culture.” He also directed the members of the committee formed in this regard to regularize review meetings and take necessary steps to further ingrain the essence of the learnings of the act.

Ms. Kanta Singh, Deputy Country Representative, UN Women India office, applauded MSDE's efforts and its dedicated commitment to preventing sexual harassment in the workplace for facilitating enabling environment for women in the Ministry. The UN Women official lauded MSDE for being one of the first ministries to organize comprehensive capacity-building training for its entire staff. Ms. Singh underscored the profound impact of sexual harassment on women, underlining its effects on mental well-being and its potential to impede women's participation in the future workforce.

The officials of the Ministry also took a pledge– ‘Ab Koi Bahan Nahi’, four powerful words to put a stop to gender based violence.

Under the two-day programme, training will be conducted not only to provide a clear definition of what constitutes Sexual Harassment but also to increase awareness on how the complaint process works. This initiative is a part of MSDE’s effort to take proactive measures to create a safe workplace for women and reflects its commitment to empowering women as economic agents and equal partners for the inclusive growth of the country.