Govt Introduces 'SHe-Box' Portal To Enhance Workplace Safety For Women

In an initiative to strengthen workplace safety for women, the Ministry of Women and Child Development, led by Union Minister Annpurna Devi, unveiled the new SHe-Box portal on 29 August 2024, in New Delhi. This centralised platform is designed to compile comprehensive information about Internal Committees (ICs) and Local Committees (LCs) across India, while also streamlining the registration and monitoring of complaints related to sexual harassment in the workplace.

Streamlining Complaint Management

The enhanced SHe-Box portal introduces a user-friendly feature that allows women to submit complaints directly to their chosen IC or LC. This innovation aims to minimise delays and reduce human interference in managing workplace sexual harassment cases. The portal will become fully operational once all Central Government Ministries, State Governments, Union Territories, and private sector organisations update their respective IC and LC information. The Ministry aims to onboard the details of nodal officers and ICs for all Central Ministries and Departments by October 2024. Additionally, the launch event featured the introduction of a new Ministry website, further enhancing the government’s digital engagement with the public.

A Major Step Against Workplace Harassment

The SHe-Box portal is a pivotal element in the government’s ongoing efforts to prevent and address sexual harassment of women in workplaces across India. By serving as a centralised repository, the portal will house information about ICs and LCs established in both government and private sectors. It provides a unified platform for women to file complaints, track their status, and ensure timely processing by the relevant authorities.

Devi emphasised the portal’s significance in her address, stating, “This initiative furthers the government’s commitment to creating a safer and more inclusive working environment for women across India.” She highlighted that the portal is designed to protect the privacy of complainants, ensuring that their personal information remains confidential.

Enhancing Women's Participation in the Workforce

As India approaches its centenary in 2047, the government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has prioritised women-led development as a key driver of inclusive economic growth. Recognising the essential role of women in the workforce, the government has focused on creating a safe and secure environment that enables women to thrive professionally. The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, serves as a cornerstone of these efforts, aiming to protect women from sexual harassment and address their grievances effectively.

The launch of the SHe-Box portal represents a significant advancement in implementing the provisions of this Act. It ensures that complaints are not only registered but also actively monitored, providing a robust framework for addressing workplace harassment.

Empowering Women Through Digital Innovation

The SHe-Box portal is part of a broader vision to empower women through digital innovation. By offering a single-window access system for registering complaints related to sexual harassment, the portal simplifies the process for women across the country, regardless of their employment status or sector. Whether women work in organised or unorganised sectors, public or private organisations, or even as domestic workers, they can access the SHe-Box portal with ease.

Moreover, the portal includes a repository of resources related to the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013. These resources encompass handbooks, training modules, and advisory documents available in both Hindi and English, accessible or downloadable free of charge. The portal also features videos aimed at raising awareness about the Act and its provisions.