Women Empowerment, Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment at workplace and Rights of women in daily lives

Date: 08-12-2025

Resource Person: Dr. Pooja Bali

Venue: Dept of UIL, SBBSU, Khiala, Jalandhar

No of Faculties and Students: : 08 Faculties & 300 Students

Activity Report

On the 8th of December, 2025, the Department of University Institute of Law (UIL), Sant Baba Bhag Singh University, Khiala, Jalandhar, organized a significant seminar on the theme “Women Empowerment, Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment at Workplace, and Rights of Women in Daily Lives.” This seminar was conducted under the divine blessings of Reverend Sant Baba Malkit Singh, Chancellor of Sant Baba Bhag Singh University, and Sant Baba Manmohan Singh, as well as with the kind cooperation of Prof. Dr. Dharamjit Singh Parmar, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Vijay Dhir, Dean Academics, and the Registrar. Their guidance and support ensured the successful execution of this awareness campaign, which was aimed at sensitizing students and faculty members to issues of gender equality, workplace safety, and the broader rights of women in society.
The seminar was conceived as part of the University’s ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for all. The organizers recognized that women empowerment is not merely a slogan but a necessity for the holistic development of society. The campaign sought to highlight the importance of empowering women through education, innovation, and technology, while also encouraging them to take active roles in governance and leadership. The program was designed to address pressing concerns such as workplace harassment, gender discrimination, and the lack of awareness about women’s rights in everyday life. By bringing together faculty members, students, and a resource person specializing in gender studies, the seminar created a platform for meaningful dialogue and reflection.
The methodology employed for the seminar was primarily lecture-based, supplemented by interactive discussions that allowed participants to engage with the subject matter more deeply. Five faculty members from the University Institute of Law contributed their expertise, while a distinguished resource person delivered a keynote lecture that emphasized the urgency of addressing women’s issues in contemporary society. More than 200 students from the department participated actively, which reflected not only the relevance of the topic but also the eagerness of young minds to understand and contribute to the cause of gender equality. The sheer number of participants underscored the urgency of the issue and the necessity of continuous awareness campaigns within academic institutions.
The seminar began with an introduction to the concept of women empowerment. Speakers highlighted how education serves as the cornerstone of empowerment, enabling women to break free from traditional constraints and pursue careers, leadership roles, and entrepreneurial ventures. The role of technology and innovation was also emphasized, as these tools can help bridge gender gaps and provide women with opportunities to excel in diverse fields. Participants were encouraged to view empowerment not only as a personal achievement but also as a collective responsibility that benefits families, communities, and the nation at large.
A major portion of the seminar was dedicated to the protection of women from sexual harassment at the workplace. The resource person provided a detailed explanation of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, 2013, outlining its provisions, procedures for filing complaints, and the importance of confidentiality in handling such cases. The role of Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) was discussed at length, with emphasis on their responsibility to create a safe and supportive environment for women employees and students. Faculty members shared practical insights into how universities and workplaces can strengthen their mechanisms to prevent harassment and ensure justice for victims. This segment of the seminar was particularly impactful, as it addressed issues that are often silenced or ignored, thereby empowering participants with knowledge of their rights and remedies.
The seminar also explored the broader rights of women in daily lives. Speakers discussed constitutional safeguards, legal protections, and the importance of financial independence for women. The discussions highlighted how equal opportunities in education, employment, and governance are essential for achieving true gender equality. Participants were reminded that empowerment begins at home, with families and communities playing a crucial role in supporting women’s aspirations. The seminar encouraged students to challenge stereotypes, advocate for equal rights, and contribute to building a society where women are respected and valued.
The outcomes of the seminar were highly encouraging. Students reported a greater awareness of their rights and responsibilities, while faculty members expressed their commitment to organizing similar programs in the future. The seminar succeeded in motivating girl students to pursue leadership roles and actively participate in academic and social initiatives. The interactive nature of the program fostered a sense of solidarity among participants, who pledged to work collectively towards creating a safe and inclusive environment. The campaign also reinforced the importance of continuous dialogue on gender issues, as awareness alone is not sufficient without sustained action.
In conclusion, the seminar on Women Empowerment, Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment at Workplace, and Rights of Women in Daily Lives was a resounding success. It fulfilled its objectives of sensitizing participants, promoting leadership among women, and spreading awareness about workplace safety and legal rights. The blessings of the Chancellor and the cooperation of the Vice Chancellor, Dean Academics, Registrar, and Dean UIL ensured the smooth execution of the program. The active involvement of faculty and students demonstrated the collective commitment of Sant Baba Bhag Singh University towards creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for women.
The seminar also provided valuable recommendations for future initiatives. It was suggested that regular awareness programs be conducted at least twice a year to maintain momentum. Skill development initiatives focusing on leadership, entrepreneurship, and technology should be introduced to equip women with practical tools for empowerment. The functioning of Internal Complaints Committees must be strengthened to ensure effective redressal of grievances. Community outreach programs should be organized to extend awareness beyond the university campus, particularly to nearby villages and communities. Finally, student-led initiatives should be encouraged to promote gender equality and foster a culture of respect and inclusivity.
The University Institute of Law extends heartfelt gratitude to Reverend Sant Baba Malkit Singh, Sant Baba Manmohan Singh, Prof. Dr. Dharamjit Singh Parmar, Prof. Dr. Vijay Dhir, the Registrar, and Dr. Pooja Bali for their blessings, guidance, and cooperation. Their support was instrumental in making this seminar a success. The annexure of the report includes photographs of the event, a list of participants, and feedback forms, which further attest to the impact and success of the program.
Ultimately, this seminar marked a significant step towards building a society where women are empowered, respected, and protected. The University Institute of Law at SBBSU remains committed to continuing such initiatives for the betterment of students, faculty, and society at large.