How has the implementation of the POSH not resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to protect women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment.

Limited success in raising awareness -

1. Lack of creation of Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) by various organizations.

2. Limited focus of district administration → Most of the districts don't have Local Complaint Committee

[boxed text:] Factors that have hindered its outreach to women in unorganized sector

1. Limitation of the law to organized sectors

2. Women in unorganized sectors comes from poorer section → Lacks financial capability to fight a case

3. Stereotype associated with sexual violence → preteen silence

4. Limited role of Government to spread the law to unorganized sector.

5. Limited access to education

Strategies to bridge the gap & comprehensive protection for women in unorganized sector

1. Extend the purview of act to unorganized sector

2. Effective monitoring of implementation by Labour department, Police and Women Commission.

3. Formal grievance redressal mechanism

4. Awareness program through labour groups, media, and newspapers

5. Penalties on violators / employee for non-compliance

6. Sensitisation of all stakeholders

Sexual harassment anywhere affect the bodily autonomy as well as mental health of women. It must be dealt with strong intent to ensure gender justice and effective female labour participation rate.

— Prajnanandan Giri