Women must be courageous enough to speak out against injustice, says Women Commission Chairperson Nagalakshmi Choudhary

Emphasising that silence only worsens injustice, Karnataka State Commission for Women Chairperson Nagalakshmi Choudhary on Friday said that women must be courageous enough to speak out against injustice instead of suffering silently.

She was speaking after inaugurating a training and awareness programme on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013 (POSH Act) for chairpersons and members of Local and Internal Complaints Committees.

“Being good is not wrong, but women must be more courageous. Many women remain silent about physical assault or sexual harassment due to fear of social stigma, threats to their dignity or even fear for their lives. This silence does not resolve the problem; instead, it only allows the abuse to continue,” Ms. Choudhary said.

She noted that women, being emotionally sensitive, are often targeted by those with exploitative intentions. “Women should ensure that their goodness does not become their weakness. In moments of injustice, they must set aside fear and hesitation and raise their voice,” she said.

Highlighting the importance of institutional responsibility, Ms. Choudhary said every organisation, government or private, has a duty to provide a safe and dignified working environment for women. “Strict implementation of the POSH Act is essential. Complaints of sexual harassment at the workplace must be taken seriously, and Local and Internal Complaints Committees play a crucial role in ensuring justice,” she said.

She stressed that committee members must be well-versed with the provisions of the Act, inquiry procedures and mechanisms to protect complainants. “Every institution must mandatorily constitute POSH committees and ensure their effective functioning. A safe and positive work environment directly contributes to better performance and productivity,” she added.

Ms. Choudhary also urged women to make use of existing legal remedies against domestic violence, sexual harassment, mental abuse and defamation. “With proper evidence, complaints can be filed before the appropriate authorities, and the law will ensure justice and punishment for offenders,” Ms. Choudhary said.

She further stated that women employees facing harassment at workplaces could approach Internal Complaints Committees under the POSH Act to seek redressal. “Creating a safe work culture is the responsibility of both employers and colleagues,” she added.

District Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Varnit Negi, Deputy Conservator of Forests Nirmala, Additional Deputy Commissioner Sidrameshwar, Deputy Director of Women and Child Development P.Y. Shetteppanavar, member-secretary of the commission Roopa, resource person Chandrika T.S., and district and taluk level officials and staff were present at the programme.

The programme was organised jointly by the Karnataka State Commission for Women, the district administration, zilla panchayat, police department and the Women and Child Development Department in Koppal.