Maharashtra WC Chairman Urges for formation of Vishakha Committees in Workplaces

By: WE staff | Friday, 14 February 2025

• Rupali Chakankar, Chairperson of the Maharashtra Women’s Commission, emphasized the need for Vishakha Committees at workplaces.
• She urged women employees to demand their establishment.
• The statement was made at an event in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Thursday.

On Thursday, Rupali Chakankar, Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women, urged women employees in all sectors to push for the establishment of Vishakha Committees at their workplaces.

She stated, "The panel is essential for ensuring a safe workplace for women and preventing sexual harassment. If management is reluctant to form these panels, women can file complaints with the Maharashtra State Commission for Women."

Rupali spoke at the inauguration of a two-day workshop organized by the Maharashtra State Commission for Women. The workshop was aimed at different stakeholders from the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division.

Rupali emphasized the importance of women developing awareness about various laws and welfare programs available to them. NCP leaders also highlighted the need for this awareness.

She said, "Our country adopted the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita on July 1 last year. Every woman must be aware of the laws that protect them and safeguard their freedom. Women can also help spread awareness about the various empowering sections of the BNS among themselves."

Rupali mentioned that a proposal to refer to widows as 'Purnaginis' has been sent to the state government.

She explained, "If a woman is called Ardhangini while her husband is alive, it is only fitting to call her Purnagini after his passing, as she takes on the responsibility of the family. We hope this change will be reflected soon at the official level."

She also called for collective efforts to eradicate social evils such as child marriage and female foeticide.

"Everyone, including women themselves, must lead the fight to end these practices. Various government mechanisms are in place to eliminate such issues, and they need support from the people," she said.