Abstract

The passing of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (popularly known as the POSH Act) was a landmark step towards ensuring gender equality and security in workplaces in India. Yet, the real enforcement of the Act remains beset with serious challenges, especially in overcoming organizational pushback, strongly entrenched patriarchal values, and socio-cultural beliefs that tend to subvert its utility. The current research critically explores the institutional and social impediments hindering the implementation of the POSH Act in various workplace environments. Drawing from case study reviews, policy analysis, and qualitative observations of organizational stakeholders, the research reveals systemic deficiencies, absence of awareness, weak compliance measures, and continued stigmatization of survivors. The article advocates for a more intersectional and transformative strategy that transcends formal compliance to create authentic cultural change and institutional responsibility. Suggestions are made to increase awareness, develop capacity among Internal Committees, and encourage a more inclusive, responsive redressal system.

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