The objective of the session was to create awareness among students regarding workplace safety, professional boundaries, legal rights, and responsibilities. The session aimed to educate participants on the safety and protection of women and children, helping them identify unsafe situations, understand different forms of abuse, and respond appropriately. It also focused on creating awareness about reporting mechanisms, confidentiality protocols, and the role of institutional support systems in ensuring justice and rehabilitation. Additionally, the session sought to foster empathy, vigilance, and social responsibility among students in both personal and professional settings.
The session enhanced participants' understanding of workplace safety, gender-based violence, and child protection through legal awareness, real-life case discussions, and visual presentations. Students gained clarity on the functioning of Bharosa Centres and SHE Teams, relevant legal provisions, and emotional recovery frameworks. The session successfully encouraged awareness, confidence, and preparedness to seek help and support others in situations of abuse or exploitation.
(Team Shakti along with Team Bharosa and She Team)
Shakti Women Development and Social Responsibility Cell of Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Hyderabad, organized an Awareness Session on Workplace Safety in collaboration with Team Bharosa and SHE Team, Hyderabad, on 12th January, 2026. The session aimed to sensitize students towards women and child safety, legal awareness, and institutional mechanisms available to address abuse, harassment, and exploitation. The guests for the session included Sub Inspector Mr. Devaraj, Assistant Sub Inspector Ms. Kalpana, and Bharosa team members Ms. Jyothi and Ms. Keerthi.
The session commenced with an introductory address highlighting the importance of workplace safety, awareness of rights and responsibilities, and the growing need for institutional mechanisms to ensure a safe environment for women and children. A representative from the Bharosa team addressed the students and shared insights based on real cases handled by the organization.
(The speaker, Ms. Jyoti along with Shakti member)
The session referenced landmark incidents such as the Nirbhaya case, which led to significant legal reforms including the strengthening of the POCSO Act. The speaker explained why Bharosa Centres have been established in every district, emphasizing that repeated instances of abuse, delayed reporting, and lack of access to integrated support systems necessitate such centres. Bharosa Centres function as one-stop facilities providing legal aid, medical assistance, psychological counselling, police coordination, and rehabilitation while maintaining strict confidentiality.
A video presentation was screened explaining the structure, purpose, and functioning of Bharosa Centres, highlighting their victim-centric approach and emphasis on dignity, privacy, and long-term recovery. The role of SHE Teams in prevention, awareness, and immediate response was also explained.
The session included the discussion of real-life cases to help students understand the seriousness and complexity of abuse cases. One case involved a 16-year-old girl whose parents were separated and who was repeatedly sexually abused by a neighbor. The victim continued to suffer in silence as the abuser threatened to kill her if she disclosed the abuse to anyone. The abuse came to light when she was six months pregnant. Although the accused initially promised marriage, he later refused. The girl gave birth to a child who tragically passed away after three days. This case highlighted the severe emotional, physical, and social consequences of abuse and the importance of timely reporting and intervention. Another case discussed involved a 28-year-old woman with two children who became pregnant through an extramarital relationship. When her partner refused to take responsibility, she filed a complaint. With the support of Bharosa Centre, she was able to live independently and rebuild her life, demonstrating the role of institutional support in empowerment and rehabilitation.
The session included an overview of key Indian Penal Code (IPC) provisions related to offences against women and children. These included IPC Section 354A, addressing sexual harassment such as unwelcome physical contact, sexual advances, and sexually coloured remarks; Section 354B, dealing with assault or criminal force with intent to disrobe a woman; Section 354C, covering voyeurism including capturing or sharing images without consent; and Section 354D, addressing stalking through repeated following or unwanted communication, including online monitoring. The discussion also covered Section 509, relating to words or gestures intended to insult the dignity of a woman, and Section 376, which defines and penalizes rape, emphasizing the importance of consent and legal protection for survivors.
A short film depicting the step-by-step process followed by Bharosa Centres was screened, covering reporting, investigation, counselling, and rehabilitation. The session further addressed emotional recovery and mental well-being through two frameworks. The Yin Yang concept highlighted the balance between feminine energy (emotional awareness, intuition, and empathy) and masculine energy (rational thinking, decisiveness, and strength), emphasizing inner balance, resilience, and the ability to respond effectively to challenging situations. The Golden Circle emphasized the importance of creating mental and emotional boundaries to recognize danger, trust one's instincts, and protect personal space, thereby promoting self- awareness and personal safety.
(Felicitation done by Dr. Shyam Sunder Chitta)
The session concluded with a felicitation ceremony, where all the guests from Bharosa Centre and SHE Teams were formally felicitated by Dr. Shyamsunder Chitta, in appreciation of their dedicated efforts and commendable work towards ensuring the safety of women and children and supporting survivors through awareness, protection, and rehabilitation.
(Article published in Andra Prabha)
An article highlighting the Shakti event conducted by Bharosa Team and SHE Team was published in the Telugu daily newspaper Andra Prabha on 13 January. The article focused on the objective of the event, which was to create awareness on women and child safety, workplace dignity, and the importance of early reporting and legal support mechanisms. It appreciated the efforts of Bharosa Team and SHE Team in educating students about safety, legal rights, and building a respectful and secure environment through the Shakti initiative.
The Awareness Session on Workplace Safety by Team Bharosa and SHE Team aligns with multiple United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reflecting its holistic impact on education, equality, well-being, and justice.
The session supports SDG 4: Quality Education by equipping students with essential life skills related to workplace safety, professional ethics, legal awareness, and responsible conduct. By extending learning beyond academics, the initiative contributed to developing informed, aware, and socially responsible individuals prepared to navigate real-world professional environments.
The program strongly aligns with SDG 5: Gender Equality, particularly in its focus on eliminating violence against women and empowering women through awareness of legal rights and access to institutional support systems. The discussion on Bharosa Centres and SHE Teams reinforced the importance of safe, inclusive, and equitable environments for women in both educational institutions and workplaces.
The session also resonates with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, as it addressed the psychological, emotional, and social dimensions of recovery for survivors of abuse. By emphasizing counselling, rehabilitation, and mental resilience frameworks, the initiative promoted holistic well-being and emotional strength among participants.
Additionally, the event aligns with SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by highlighting the role of law enforcement agencies, legal frameworks, and victim-centric institutions in ensuring justice, accountability, and protection for vulnerable individuals. The explanation of IPC provisions, confidentiality protocols, and structured reporting mechanisms emphasized the importance of strong institutions in fostering trust and ensuring safety.
The Awareness Session on Workplace Safety by Team Bharosa and SHE Team was highly informative and impactful. The session successfully sensitized students towards workplace safety, legal rights, and institutional support systems through real-life examples, legal insights, and visual presentations. It reinforced the importance of reporting abuse, maintaining confidentiality, and utilizing structured mechanisms for justice and rehabilitation. Overall, the event aligned with Shakti Cell’s mission of promoting awareness, empowerment, and social responsibility among students.
