Centre launches SHe-Box portal to address sexual harassment at workplaces

"The new SHe-Box portal serves as a centralized repository of information related to Internal Committees (ICs) and Local Committees (LCs) formed across the country, encompassing both the government and private sectors. It offers a common platform to file complaints, track their status and ensure a time-bound processing of complaint by ICs," the Ministry said in a press release.

"It provides assured redressal of complaints and a streamlined process for all stakeholders. The portal through a designated nodal officer will enable real-time monitoring of complaints," it added.

Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi hailed the launch of the platform, terming it a major step to deter sexual harassment of women in the workplace.

Speaking to ANI, WCD Minister Annapurna Devi said, "In 2017, an upgraded version of SHEbox was launched based on the 2013 sexual harassment law, where women who are harassed at any workplace can register their case on this SHEbox, and file their complaint, following which two types of committees will be formed."

"One, for private institutions, an internal committee will be formed, and for government institutions, a local committee will be formed under the chairmanship of the DM or DC or an officer appointed by them. So when women register their complaint, it will be kept completely confidential, and through it, a case will be registered with the local committee or the internal committee, and actions will be taken by them from time to time," she added.

The Minister said actions will be taken based on the complaint and victims will be informed about them.

"At the ministry level as well, we can monitor how many cases have been registered and at what stage the complaint is. Through this, the women working in our workplaces can act fearlessly, just as the Prime Minister also wants the participation of women in the workforce to increase. So, for that, this will prove to be very useful, and women can work fearlessly anywhere," Devi added.

The launch event was held in the national capital on Thursday, where Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi launched the platform.

Devi also launched the new website of the Ministry during the event. Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Savitri Thakur and Secretary for Women and Child Development, Anil Malik along with other officials of the Ministry were also present on the occasion.

She said the portal was launched earlier but today an upgraded version has been launched as per today's requirements. She added that they will continue to expand the platform further as per the requirements.

"This will certainly benefit the women working in various sectors, as they can access it from anywhere by searching on Google. Additionally, we will make every effort, in collaboration with the state governments, to spread awareness about it among as many people as possible. We also want private institutions to register and get onboard so that the women working there can work fearlessly," the minister said.

"We would like to urge women to work confidently and fearlessly wherever they are employed. If ever they face any trouble, especially in today's times where we see situations that arise due to the actions of a few with a disturbed mindset, they should not hesitate to file a complaint. Their name will be kept completely confidential when they register a complaint," she added.

Meanwhile, the newly developed website of the Ministry is tailored to meet the needs of the government.

The Ministry also provided the link to access the SHe-Box portal and the new ministry website: https://shebox.wcd.gov.in/ and https://wcd.gov.in/respectively.

"This website aims to establish a cohesive visual identity across digital platforms, enhancing the government's engagement with national and global audiences. As digital platforms become the primary point of contact for citizens, maintaining a strong and compelling brand presence is essential," it stated. (ANI)