Policy for Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
1. Objective
This policy aims to create a safe and respectful environment free from sexual harassment and abuse for all employees, volunteers, beneficiaries, and stakeholders of Udbhav Vision Foundation. It underscores the organization’s commitment to maintaining dignity, equality, and mutual respect for all individuals.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All employees, volunteers, consultants, and interns.
- Beneficiaries and visitors associated with Udbhav Vision Foundation’s programs and activities.
- Incidents occurring at the workplace, during travel, at training sessions, and any other location where official work or activities are carried out.
3. Definitions
- Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or verbal, physical, or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.
- Abuse: Any physical, emotional, psychological, or sexual act that exploits or harms an individual.
4. Prohibited Conduct
- Unwanted physical contact or advances.
- Verbal or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature, including gestures or displaying explicit content.
- Any behavior that demeans, humiliates, or exploits another individual.
5. Reporting Mechanism
- Complaint Submission: Complaints may be submitted to the designated Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in writing or via email.
- Confidentiality: All complaints will be handled with strict confidentiality to protect the identity and dignity of the complainant.
- Immediate Support: Counseling and other support services will be made available to the complainant, if required.
6. Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)
- Composition: The ICC will include:
- A senior female employee as the Presiding Officer.
- At least two members from among the employees committed to women’s rights or familiar with the issue of sexual harassment.
- Responsibilities:
- Investigate complaints promptly and impartially.
- Recommend appropriate actions, including disciplinary measures or legal proceedings.
7. Investigation Process
- Timelines:
- Complaint to be acknowledged within 7 working days.
- Investigation to be completed within 30 days.
- Hearing: Both the complainant and the respondent will have an opportunity to present their case.
- Resolution: The ICC will recommend actions to the management based on findings.
8. Disciplinary Action
- Employees or beneficiaries found guilty of sexual harassment or abuse may face:
- Termination of employment or association.
- Legal proceedings as per the Indian Penal Code.
- Removal from beneficiary programs or services.
9. Awareness and Training
- Regular training sessions will be conducted for employees and beneficiaries to understand their rights and responsibilities under this policy.
- Information on the policy will be prominently displayed at all office and program locations.
10. Non-Retaliation
No individual shall face retaliation for reporting a complaint in good faith or participating in an investigation.
11. Review and Amendment
This policy will be reviewed time-to-time or as required by legal and organizational needs to ensure its effectiveness and compliance with applicable laws.
12. Contact Details
The present ICC is headed by SMT Meena Chouhan, her E-mail ID is meena.chouhan@udbhav.org
