By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 28: The Internal Complaints Committee of Shillong College on Wednesday organised an awareness programme entitled ‘Creating Safe Spaces Through Sensitization: Strategies for Prevention of Sexual Harassment’.
Speaking on the topic, the resource person, Dr Rashi Bhargava from the Department of Sociology, North-Eastern Hill University, referred to issues such as gender harassment, unwanted sexual attention and sexual coercion.
She pointed out that professional work environments, higher educational institutions and organisations may experience instances of sexual harassment, some under hostile conditions and others in the form of quid pro quo.
She also said that such harassment may not necessarily be women-specific, highlighting the need for vigilance. Bhargava further discussed hierarchical power dynamics, which often become breeding grounds for sexual harassment.
According to her, safe spaces can be established through increased knowledge of gender relations, which in turn can lead to attitudinal changes towards sexual harassment and positively influence practices and actions towards others.
Meanwhile, Shillong College Principal, Dr S. Khongwir, in his address, enlightened the audience about mechanisms already in place to combat sexual harassment in institutions of higher education.
Khongwir stressed that a secure environment would greatly enhance intellectual growth.
The programme also featured a pledge-taking ceremony and a presentation by the students of the college.
It concluded with a meaningful poster activity entitled “Wall of Voices”, which allowed students to pen their thoughts on the day’s theme.
