Shruti Nagvanshi Conducts Orientation on POSH and Gender Perspective for ESIC Hospital Staff

 Varanasi, March 10, 2025 – In a significant step towards ensuring workplace safety and gender inclusivity, Mrs. Shruti Nagvanshi, Managing Trustee of JanMitra Nyas and Senior Advisor at PVCHR, conducted an orientation session on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act and gender perspectives for 60 staff members at ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Varanasi. This session was organized as part of the hospital’s ongoing commitment to fostering a respectful and equitable work environment.

As an esteemed advocate for women’s rights and gender equality, Shruti Nagvanshi emphasized the importance of a gender-sensitive workplace and elaborated on the legal provisions of the POSH Act, 2013. The interactive session focused on:

• Understanding sexual harassment and its impact in professional settings.

• The legal framework and the role of the Internal Complaint Committee (ICC).

• Gender biases and stereotypes affecting workplace dynamics.

• The significance of reporting mechanisms and support systems for victims.

• Best practices for fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity.

During the session, participants actively engaged in discussions, sharing their perspectives and seeking clarifications on workplace ethics and legal compliance. Hospital staff, including administrative and medical professionals, appreciated the informative approach and expressed their commitment to upholding gender sensitivity in their respective roles.

The orientation was conducted in alignment with Shruti Nagvanshi’s appointment as the External Member of the Internal Complaint Committee at ESIC Medical College & Hospital. Recognizing her decades of work in human rights advocacy, the hospital administration invited her to play a pivotal role in guiding the ICC and strengthening institutional mechanisms to address workplace harassment effectively.

The event coincided with the hospital’s International Women’s Day celebrations, where Shruti Nagvanshi was also invited as the Chief Guest. Speaking at the event, she highlighted the broader struggle for gender equality and the collective responsibility to create safe spaces for women in all professional spheres.

Dr. Sapna Mittal, Medical Superintendent of ESIC Medical College & Hospital, expressed gratitude to Shruti Nagvanshi for her insights and leadership. She reiterated the hospital’s commitment to gender equity and assured continuous efforts to implement POSH guidelines effectively.

As a tireless advocate for social justice, Shruti Nagvanshi continues to lead initiatives that promote the rights and dignity of women, reinforcing her vision of an inclusive society free from gender-based discrimination and violence. Her engagement with ESIC Medical College & Hospital marks yet another milestone in her journey of empowering communities and ensuring workplace safety for all.