Leaders across party lines endorse PoSH implementation in political parties, advocating for ICCs and robust mechanisms to ensure women’s safety, dignity, and equitable participation in politics. The #Newsdesk reports.

In a landmark set of panel discussions at TERI, Gurgaon, leaders across party lines endorsed the implementation of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act within political parties. Featuring Charu Pragya (BJP), Krishna Allavaru (INC), Kanksshi Agarwal (NETRI Foundation), Dilip Cherian and Avani Bansal,. the event highlighted the urgent need for Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs), transparent redressal mechanisms, and training programs to ensure women’s safety and participation in politics. With support from the Election Commission of India (ECI) and civil society, this cross-party collaboration aims to establish a zero-tolerance culture, fostering an inclusive and harassment-free political environment.

New Delhi, 19th January 2025 — In a groundbreaking panel discussion hosted by Access Polity at TERI, Gurgaon, on 10th January 2025, leaders from across the political spectrum called for robust implementation of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act, 2013, within political parties. The panel featured prominent voices, including Charu Pragya (BJP spokesperson and lawyer), Krishna Allavaru (National In-charge, Indian Youth Congress), and Kanksshi Agarwal (Founder, NETRI Foundation), who emphasized the urgent need for Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) to safeguard women in politics.

Charu Pragya: “We Absolutely Need It”

Charu Pragya stressed the importance of formal PoSH compliance in political parties, advocating for the establishment of dedicated ICCs:
“There are no two ways about it—political parties must come under the ambit of PoSH. A Supreme Court directive already exists, urging the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take action, and it’s imperative to expedite this process. Disciplinary committees exist in the BJP, but a PoSH-compliant ICC will standardize and strengthen redressal mechanisms, ensuring safe spaces for women in politics.”

Pragya called for greater transparency, urging political parties to make guidelines and complaint procedures accessible to women at all levels:
“Women should know where to go and how to seek help if harassment occurs. Creating a zero-tolerance environment is not optional—it’s essential.”

Krishna Allavaru and Kanksshi Agarwal Champion Long-Overdue Reforms

Krishna Allavaru highlighted Congress’s efforts to establish ICCs six years ago while acknowledging the need for continuous improvement:
“The PoSH Act guarantees dignity and safety for women in the workplace. While Congress has an internal mechanism in place, we must conduct regular awareness drives and training programs to make it truly effective. A system only works if people know how to use it.”

Kanksshi Agarwal, Founder of NETRI Foundation, has taken the lead in advocating for PoSH enforcement, submitting a formal representation to the ECI. Her appeal highlights five key demands, including mandatory ICCs for all political parties, data compilation on harassment complaints, and capacity-building programs to foster a zero-tolerance culture.

“The fear of violence and harassment is one of the biggest barriers keeping women out of politics. Implementing PoSH across political parties isn’t just about legal compliance—it’s a moral imperative. How can we move forward if women are constantly watching their backs?” Agarwal remarked, referencing studies by UN Women and the Centre for Social Research that show 90% of women avoid politics due to safety concerns.

A Unified Call for Action

The panellists delivered a strong, unified message of solidarity across party lines, urging the Election Commission, political parties, and civil society to collaborate in creating a safer and more inclusive political space.

Charu Pragya called for immediate action: “It’s time to operationalize PoSH in all political activities. The Election Commission, political leaders, and civil society must work together to make this happen.”

Allavaru added: “We owe it to every young woman aspiring to lead and serve the nation. Let’s ensure they feel protected, respected, and valued.”

About NETRI Foundation  

NETRI Foundation, India’s first incubator for women in politics, has trained over 10,000 women across 19 states since its inception in 2019. The organization focuses on fostering gender equality in the political ecosystem through training, policy advocacy, and partnerships with political parties to create safer and more inclusive structures.

The representation urges the ECI to respond within one month with a roadmap for immediate PoSH implementation. Meanwhile, political parties are exploring cross-party collaboration to draft comprehensive guidelines and launch awareness campaigns.