Awareness regarding “sexual harassment of women at workplace act” among non-teaching female staff in a tertiary care hospital

ABSTRACT

Background: A safe workplace is women’s legal right. Sexual harassment at the workplace is a violation of human rights. “Sexual harassment of women at workplace act” was passed in 2013. Objectives: The objective of the study was to assess awareness regarding “sexual harassment of women at workplace act” among non-teaching female staff in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in tertiary care hospital. A total of 60 non-teaching staff members were included in the study. Data were collected using pre-designed questionnaire. Results: About 87% of participants were aware of year of implementation of the act and occupations protected under the act. About 73% were aware regarding objectives of the act. Half of the participants were aware of the number of employees needed to form Internal Complaint Committee. Awareness was found to be poor regarding time limit to give a complaint and to conduct inquiry. All were aware regarding existence of sexual harassment committee in the institute. Conclusion: Educational sessions should be conducted to improve awareness regarding the act.