The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition And Redressal) Act, 2013 makes it illegal to sexually harass women in the workplace. It talks about the different ways in which someone can be sexually harassed and how they can complain against this kind of behavior.

The Act ensures that women are protected against sexual harassment at all the work places, be it in public or private. This will contribute to realization of their right to gender equality, liberty and equality in working conditions everywhere. The sense of security at the workplace can improve women's participation in work, resulting in their economic empowerment and inclusive growth. This Act is only for women who are sexually harassed in workplaces.

Internal Complaint Committee/ Vishakha Committee (Sexual harassment Prevention Committee) is formed in order to provide a safe, secure & social working environment to women at workplace.

Background

During the 1990s, Rajasthan state government employee Bhanwari Devi who tried to prevent child marriage as part of her duties as a worker of the Women Development Programme was raped repeatedly by the landlords of the community to teach her a lesson.

The rape survivor did not get justice from Rajasthan High Court and the rapists were allowed to go free. This enraged a women's rights group called Vishakha that filed public interest litigation in the Supreme Court of us.

This case brought to the attention of the Supreme Court of us, "the absence of domestic law occupying the field, to formulate effective measures to check the evil of sexual harassment of working women at all work places."