National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar on Friday, 10 July inspected the Sakhi One Stop Centre (OSC) in Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh, and led a Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) training programme for employers and employees in the district. The visit is part of a broader two-day outreach across Uttar Pradesh focused on workplace safety and women's institutional empowerment.

Key Highlights of the POSH Training

Addressing participants at the training programme, Rahatkar stressed that the empowerment of women is possible only when every workplace is safe, respectful, and offers equal opportunities. She underlined the need for competent and impartial Internal Committees (IC) under the POSH Act, 2013, calling for transparent, confidential, and timely resolution of complaints.

Rahatkar also emphasised regular compliance monitoring, awareness about Local Committees (LC) for women in the unorganised sector, and consistent capacity-building for both employers and employees. 'A safe workplace is not just a legal obligation but the foundation of women's economic empowerment and nation-building,' she said.

Sakhi OSC Inspection and Welfare Distribution

At the Sakhi One Stop Centre in Kannauj, Rahatkar reviewed available facilities and services, directing officials to ensure prompt, sensitive, and effective assistance to women in distress. Following the inspection, she distributed benefits to beneficiaries under various public welfare schemes.

The NCW Chairperson also participated in an 'annaprashan' ceremony for newborn infants and a 'god bharai' programme. Mobile phones were provided to women, cheques distributed to children, and scientific equipment handed over to various institutions, according to the NCW.

Kanpur Engagements on Gender-Sensitive Policing

The Kannauj visit followed a Thursday engagement in Kanpur, where Rahatkar led a 'Mahila Jansunvai' (women's public hearing) at the Circuit House. She subsequently held discussions with senior administration and police officials of the Kanpur division on women's safety and welfare.

At the inaugural session of Shakti Aur Suraksha, Rahatkar highlighted the urgent need for advancing gender-sensitive policing practices — a push that reflects the NCW's broader mandate to strengthen institutional frameworks for women's protection across states.

Broader Context

The POSH Act, 2013 mandates every organisation with 10 or more employees to constitute an Internal Committee for redressal of sexual harassment complaints. Critics and gender rights groups have long flagged patchy implementation, particularly in the unorganised sector where Local Committees often remain under-resourced or inactive. Rahatkar's field visits signal a renewed push by the NCW to bridge that compliance gap at the ground level.

With similar outreach programmes being conducted across multiple states, the NCW's focus on Uttar Pradesh — India's most populous state — carries particular significance for the millions of women employed in its informal economy. Further engagements are expected as part of the Chairperson's ongoing state-level review programme.