Work safely today and every day
The Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) for women at the workplace is a crucial component of creating a safe and harassment-free working environment for women. It is mandated by the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013 in many countries, including India.
The key responsibilities and features of an ICC typically include:
Formation: Organizations are required to constitute an ICC in workplaces with 10 or more employees. The committee is usually headed by a woman and consists of at least half of its members as women.
Complaint Registration: The ICC is responsible for receiving and addressing complaints related to sexual harassment at the workplace. It ensures that the complaint registration process is accessible and confidential.
Investigation: The committee conducts a fair and impartial inquiry into the complaints it receives. This may involve gathering evidence, interviewing relevant parties, and maintaining confidentiality throughout the process.
Recommendations: Based on the findings of the investigation, the ICC recommends appropriate actions to address the complaint. This could include disciplinary action against the perpetrator, changes in workplace policies, or other preventive measures.
Awareness and Training: The ICC is often involved in creating awareness about the prevention of sexual harassment at the workplace. It may also organize training sessions for employees to understand their rights and responsibilities.
Reporting: The committee submits an annual report to the employer, highlighting the number of complaints received, actions taken, and any recommendations for improving the workplace environment.
Having an ICC is essential for fostering a work culture that prioritizes the safety and well-being of women employees. It provides a formal and structured mechanism for addressing complaints and ensures that individuals feel empowered to report incidents without fear of retaliation.