Colleges conduct programs to combat sexual harassment
Alumni, experts invited on campus; students explained what constitutes harassment
MUMBAI: Incidents of harassment at workplaces has been highlighted very often and the recent wave of support for the on-going #Metoo movement has once again brought the focus on gender-based violence. Taking a leaf from the movement, several city colleges have been conducting awareness programs as well as interactive sessions for their staff and students in order to make sure that everyone is aware of something as basic as what constitutes harassment.
At Jai Hind College, Churchgate, apart from a host of awareness programs conducted over a period of time, former students have been roped in to talk to the current batches.
“Some of our ex-students, who are currently working as lawyers, have been invited to talk to students. While students are aware of the ongoing movement, it’s surprising to know how most are not aware what constitutes harassment,” said Ashok Wadia, principal of the college.
He added that the college will also set up a separate committee soon, especially for students who want to talk about incidents or simply want to clear their The Metoo movement, with many local and international alternatives, is a movement against sexual harassment and sexual assault. #Metoo spread virally in October 2017 as a hashtag used on social media in an attempt to demonstrate the widespread prevalence of sexual assault and harassment, especially in the workplace. #Metoo gathered sharp momentum in October 2018 in the entertainment industry of Bollywood, when actress Tanushree Dutta accused Nana Patekar of sexual harassment. Following this, many women from various professions shared their stories of sexual harrasment.