In a significant move to empower young women, the Chairperson of the Andhra Pradesh Women's Commission, Rayapati Sailaja, recently addressed girl students at the Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge and Technologies (RGUKT) in Etcherla, Srikakulam. The core message was clear: be aware, be brave, and use the law to fight back against sexual harassment.
Empowerment Through Awareness of Laws
Sailaja directly engaged with the students, advising them to thoroughly understand the legal protections available to them. She emphasized the importance of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace (POSH) Act and urged the young women to differentiate between good and bad touch. Her counsel was not to live in fear but to cultivate courage and face challenges head-on. The session was part of a dedicated awareness program conducted on the IIIT campus, focusing on the proper channels and methods for students to respond to and report any form of harassment.
Strengthening Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs)
A pivotal point of her address was the role and necessity of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs). Sailaja stressed that ICCs are essential institutions in places with a large population of women, as they help bring internal issues to light for resolution. The university has recently established these committees. Highlighting the scale of the institution, Sailaja noted that IIIT Etcherla has around 1,200 students and underscored the need to strengthen these ICC teams to ensure they function effectively.
This awareness drive gains critical context from a recent incident where university authorities received an anonymous email alleging harassment by both teaching and non-teaching staff. Referring to this issue, Sailaja actively encouraged students to reach out to the Women's Commission directly whenever they face harassment. In a bold step to ensure accessibility, she shared her personal contact number with the students and also took the time to enquire about their specific problems.
A Collective Commitment to Safety
The program saw participation from key university officials, demonstrating an institutional commitment to the cause. Professor Kotta Madhumurthy and Director K Balaji of Etcherla IIIT were among those who attended the session. This collaborative effort between the state's women's commission and the university administration marks a proactive approach to creating a safer and more informed educational environment for all female students, empowering them with knowledge and a clear support system.
