Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Government launched the Multistakeholder Textile Industry Coalition (TiC) to strengthen Implementation of PoSH Act–a collective effort to enhance Workplace Safety in the Textile Sector.
The objective of TiC is also to strengthen the implementation of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act.
A collective effort to enhance workplace safety in the Textile Sector, TiC brings together various actors, such as brands, manufacturers, government agencies, service providers, industry associations, trade unions, civil society organizations, and research institutions, to work towards a common goal of creating a safe and empowering work environment for women in the textile industry by promoting promote Zero Tolerance for Sexual Harassment and Violence in the women- dominated textile sector of Tamil Nadu.
TiC will also work towards creating industry-standardized guidelines and codes of conduct to promote best practices and accountability.
TiC will cover all aspects of the textile value chain, from the factory floor to the community and the policy level. The coalition is led by the Department of Social Welfare and Women’s
Empowerment, Tamil Nadu, and the Department of Handlooms, Handicrafts, Textiles and Khadi, Tamil Nadu. It is convened by UN Women with diverse stakeholders.
Speaking at the launch of TiC, Ms V. Amuthavalli, Commissioner of the Commissionerate of Social Welfare said This initiative aligns with the Tamil Nadu Government’s mandate.
She said government is rolling out a new app for quarterly filing of reports. These measures demonstrate the commitment of Tamil Nadu state towards creating a safer and more inclusive work environment for women.
Tamil Nadu has taken significant steps and efforts in implementing PoSH. The state currently has 5,493 Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) in government organizations and 10,946 ICCs in private establishments,”
Mr Dharmendra Pratap Yadav, Principal Secretary, Department of Textile, said “The launch of TiC, is a reflection of our commitment to the welfare and dignity of the women workers in the textile sector. We believe that by eliminating violence and sexual harassment, we can enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the industry, as well as the socio-economic development of the state.”
“This is a groundbreaking initiative that sets an example for other industries to follow. We are not only addressing a critical issue, but also creating a culture of respect, equality, and empowerment for all women in the workforce. This is a collective effort to bring about positive change and build a safer, more inclusive industry where everyone can flourish without fear”, he said.
“I congratulate the Government of Tamil Nadu on this innovative and holistic approach to addressing gender-based violence” stated Susan Ferguson, Country Representative, UN Women India, at the launch.
