Public hearing on gender-based violence to be held in Kolkata

Shillong, Sep 24:  A public hearing on gender-based violence at the workplace has been organised in Kolkata in the wake of the rape and murder of a young trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College that brought the vulnerabilities faced by women, queer and marginalised groups to the forefront.

A collation of individuals, independent groups and associations is organising the public hearing. The aim is to create a platform for survivors, experts and other stakeholders to testify about gender-based violence, harassment and systemic failure across workplaces in West Bengal.

“The public hearing will offer a powerful platform for marginalised voices to be heard, with the goal of addressing the pervasive issue of workplace harassment and contributing to meaningful reforms,” read a media statement.

The primary objectives of the public hearing are to investigate and document instances of gender-based harassment and violence at workplaces across West Bengal; to analyse the effectiveness of current legal and institutional frameworks, including the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act); to examine the socio-cultural, organisational and economic factors contributing to the persistence of workplace harassment and violence; to provide a platform for survivors and witnesses to share their experiences in a safe and supportive environment; and to formulate policy recommendations aimed at strengthening protections against workplace harassment and violence and ensuring accountability and justice for victims.