The Departments of MBA and MCA, St Agnes College (Autonomous), Mangaluru, jointly organised a session titled “Safe Spaces, Strong Voices: Understanding POSH” on 5 November 2026 at 2:15 p.m. in the Seminar Hall, Centenary Block. The session was conducted for first-year MBA and MCA students to create awareness about the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) framework and emphasise the importance of fostering safe and respectful environments.
The session was led by Dr. Devi Prabha Alva, Certified POSH Trainer and Associate Professor of Commerce at St Agnes College. The programme was supported by Sr. Dr. M. Venissa A.C., Principal; Sr. Dr. M. Vinora A.C., PG Co-ordinator; Mr. Chaco P. J., Dean of MBA and MCA; Mrs. Akshatha Shetty, Head of the Department of MCA; Mrs. Sheryl Preethika, Head of the Department of MBA; Mrs. Panchajanyeshwari, Assistant Professor, Department of MCA; and Dr. Mallika Shetty, Assistant Professor, Department of MBA.
The resource person provided an overview of the POSH Act, 2013, highlighting its purpose, significance and the responsibility of educational institutions and workplaces to ensure safe and respectful environments. She explained the background of the legislation, including the Bhanwari Devi case, and clarified the roles and responsibilities of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) and the Local Complaints Committee (LCC). She also discussed various forms of workplace harassment, including verbal and non-verbal harassment, addressed the issue of false complaints and highlighted the support available through non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
To connect the discussion with real-life situations, Dr. Devi Prabha Alva referred to significant cases and incidents, including the Nirbhaya case, the incident at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, and the case of Aruna Shanbaug, a nurse at King Edward Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. These examples drew attention to concerns surrounding personal safety, human dignity, institutional accountability and the need for effective protection and justice.The speaker further emphasised that preventing harassment and ensuring safe spaces are shared responsibilities, irrespective of gender. She highlighted the relevance of POSH awareness among students and explained how individuals can respond to uncomfortable situations by speaking up, seeking support and moving away from unsafe environments. The importance of support groups and counselling was also discussed. Students were introduced to three practical response strategies: Direct, Distract and Delegate, which can help them respond appropriately to situations involving harassment or discomfort.
The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, providing students with an opportunity to clarify their queries and gain a better understanding of POSH provisions and the mechanisms available for addressing concerns. The programme reinforced the importance of awareness, mutual respect and collective responsibility in creating safe and inclusive educational and professional environments.
