Arz recently concluded a series of intensive Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) awareness sessions at the WISH Units in Vasco and  Mapusa. These sessions, facilitated by Ms. Juliana Lohar, served a dual purpose: educating our community and strengthening our internal governance.

Moving Beyond “Normalised” Behavior

The sessions utilized an interactive, scenario-based approach. Participants were presented with real-life workplace situations and asked to identify harassment. The varying responses highlighted how certain behaviors particularly subtle verbal or non-verbal cues are often misunderstood or overlooked. By the end of the workshop, participants demonstrated a clear shift in their ability to identify and respond to inappropriate conduct.

Democratic Governance: Reconstituting the IC

A key highlight was the formal reconstitution of the Arz Internal Committee (IC). In alignment with our philosophy of community-led leadership, the girls at WISH nominated peer representatives from among themselves to join the committee. This ensures that the IC is approachable, representative, and deeply rooted in the trust of the beneficiaries it serves.

Addressing Critical “Grey Areas”

The Q&A segment allowed for a transparent dialogue on complex issues:

 Peer-to-Peer & Online Conduct: Clarifying that POSH policies cover harassment between peers and the inappropriate sharing of digital content.

 Mandatory Reporting: Emphasizing why formal complaints are necessary for long-term systemic change.

 Total Accountability: Addressing the process for reporting even if a member of the IC is involved, ensuring that the External Member and the Local Committee (LC) provide an unbiased layer of protection.

Our Commitment to Transparency

Arz maintains a strict Zero Tolerance Policy regarding sexual harassment. To ensure the safety mechanism is accessible to all, we are pleased to share the members of our reconstituted Internal Committee:

This initiative is part of Arz’s ongoing mission to create sustainable, safe, and empowered environments for all.