A lecture on the Sexual Harassment Prevention Week was conducted at IGNOU Regional Centre, Srinagar, with the aim of reinforcing the safe, respectful, and dignified environment of learning and working. The week-long observance emphasized awareness, prevention, and institutional commitment to eliminating sexual harassment in educational and workplace settings. Also sensitization and awareness programme was also conducted for the staff members of regional centre.

The event commenced with an inaugural session attended by officers, Coordinator, Academic Counselor, and staff members of regional centre. The Regional Director Dr. A.H. Rizvi, delivered the welcome address, underscoring the importance of sexual harassment prevention as a cornerstone of institutional ethics and human dignity. He also highlighted IGNOU’s commitment to maintaining a safe environment, role of comprehensive policies such as the Prevention of Sexual Harassment framework in educational institutions.

The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Aamina Parveen, Head, Department of Education, University of Kashmir followed by Dr. Nusrat, Ms. Bilquees Ara & Ms. Shuffali Manzoor. They focused on the broader educational and societal context of gender equity and harassment prevention. Her address covered the understanding the legal and ethical aspects of sexual harassment, importance of gender sensitization as part of educational curricula, practical strategies to recognize, respond to, and prevent incidents of harassment and empowering students and staff members to support each other and uphold dignity. These insights were backed by examples, interactive discussions, and relevant case studies that resonated deeply with the audience. 

The aim of the event was to increase awareness of rights and responsibilities, encourage collective participation in fostering respectful behavior and to clarify procedures for lodging complaints and seeking help.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by a Dr. Mohd Abdullah, ARD where he expressed gratitude to speaker Prof. Aamina Parveen and Dr. A.H. Rizvi, for their valuable insights. He also thanks the participants for their enthusiastic engagement, organizers and support staff for ensuring the smooth conduct of the week’s activities.

The observance successfully reinforced the collective commitment of IGNOU Regional Centre, Srinagar to promote a culture of respect and dignity, Empower individuals through awareness and education and to strengthen institutional frameworks that ensure safety and equity.