Policy on Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH)

PRAN (Policy Research Action Network) Foundation

1. Objective and Statement of Commitment

PRAN Foundation is committed to providing a professional work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. In accordance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, we maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual harassment. We believe in the "Law + Science" model of integrity, where every individual—whether an advocate, researcher, or volunteer—is treated with dignity.

2. Scope and Coverage

This policy applies to all stakeholders of the PRAN Foundation, regardless of gender (though the Act specifically protects women), including:

• Employees and Interns.

• Action Network Members: Advocates, practitioners, and community leaders.

• Board of Mentors: Senior experts and advisors.

• Visitors: Any person visiting the PRAN offices or project sites.

Definition of Workplace: Our workplace extends beyond physical offices to include:

• Chamber No. 536, Patiala House Courts, New Delhi.

• Field research and audit sites (e.g., community water audits or amusement park safety checks).

• Virtual Workspaces: WhatsApp groups, Zoom/Google Meet calls, and official social media threads.

3. What Constitutes Sexual Harassment?

As per Section 2(n) of the Act, sexual harassment includes any one or more of the following unwelcome acts or behavior (whether directly or by implication):

1. Physical contact and advances.

2. A demand or request for sexual favors.

3. Making sexually colored remarks.

4. Showing pornography.

5. Any other unwelcome physical, verbal, or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature.

4. The Internal Committee (IC)

PRAN Foundation has established an Internal Committee (IC) to oversee the prevention and redressal of complaints.

• Presiding Officer: A senior-level woman from the foundation or the scientific/legal network.

• Members: At least two members from amongst the employees/volunteers committed to the cause of social justice.

• External Member: A person from an NGO or association committed to the cause of women or familiar with POSH laws.

5. Redressal Mechanism

• Reporting: Any aggrieved individual may submit a written complaint to the IC within three months of the incident.

• Confidentiality: The identity of the complainant, the respondent, and the proceedings are kept strictly confidential as per Section 16 of the Act.

• Inquiry: The IC will conduct a formal inquiry following the principles of natural justice and submit a report with recommendations within 90 days.

6. Protection Against Retaliation

PRAN Foundation strictly prohibits retaliation against any individual who reports an incident or participates in an inquiry. Victimization is treated as a serious disciplinary violation.

7. Awareness and Compliance

We conduct periodic awareness sessions for our Action Network to ensure that all members understand the boundaries of professional conduct in policy advocacy and legal research.