Day: November 28, 2022

UGC Urges A Review of Any Ongoing Allegations of Sexual Harassment Against Women at The Workplace 

November 28, 2022 in Newsletter, UGC 0 comments

The Ministry has requested to observe discrimination against women pakhwada from November 25 to December 10, 2022, in addition to performing sensitization for their staff.

In a letter to vice-chancellors of all universities and deans of all colleges, the University Grants Commission (UGC) requested that particular efforts be made to educate their staff members on the terms of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act through seminars (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal Act, 2013).

In order to ensure that a particular drive is held in all autonomous organisations, public sector undertakings, and higher educational institutions, this is in compliance with a decision from the Ministry of Education. The Ministry has asked to observe discrimination against women pakhwada from November 25 to December 10, 2022, in addition to conducting awareness-raising seminars for their personnel.

Internal Complaints Committees have also organized a special drive to assess the open issues and take appropriate action before December 9, 2022.

“I request you to conduct a special drive to review the pending cases if any and take appropriate action before December 9. The details of programme/activities conducted by your institution may be provided to the gender sensitisation division of UGC by December 11, 2022,” the UGC secretary’s letter to vice-chancellors of universities and principles of colleges read.

It is important to note that the UGC has informed the UGC (Prevention, prohibition, and redress of sexual harassment of women employees and students in higher educational institutions) Regulations, 2015 of its existence. These regulations are very specific about the duties of higher education institutions, the grievance resolution procedure, how to file a complaint and conduct an investigation, how to get a temporary remedy, how to get punished and compensated, how to deal with the consequences of non-compliance, etc. The rules are statutory in nature and obligatory for colleges and universities.

Key Highlights:

To promote a safe and secure environment for women at work, the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal Act, 2013) was notified on December  9, 2013. Sexual harassment constitutes a breach of a woman’s fundamental rights to equality guaranteed by Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution, as well as her freedom to engage in any activity, trade, or business and to conduct her profession in a sexually harassing-free atmosphere.

The protection against sexual harassment and the right to work with dignity are universally recognized human rights by international conventions and instruments such as the Convention of the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women, which was ratified on June 25, 1993, by the Government of India.

(Source: OTV News)

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The Surge in Concerns About Generation Z’s Mental Wellbeing

November 28, 2022 in Blogs, Education, Knowledge Hub 0 comments

Mental Health And Wellbeing:

Mental health and related issues are of great concern, particularly among Generation Z, today’s young generation. The problem is now so normal and common that we can consider this a new normal, and post-pandemic, the surge is becoming more intense.

Being depressed or irritable occasionally is part of life. Exams, arguments with family or friends, switching schools, or moving homes are just a few examples of life events that can make young people depressed and anxious.

Sometimes, depressive feelings persist for weeks or months and interfere with daily life. A young person may have depression, a serious illness that can affect people of all ages if they consistently feel depressed and have trouble motivating themselves.

What Research Says:

One of the most prevalent mental illnesses in the world is anxiety. Research indicates that Generation Z (Gen Z), who were born between 1997 and 2012 and are currently between the ages of 10 and 25, are the most anxious generation to date. In addition to the pandemic, unemployment, environmental change, technology, and other sources of stress also contribute to Gen Zers’ anxiety.

Why is Generation Z less traumatized in terms of mental health?

The fact that Gen Z faces less shame when getting help than previous generations may also be a contributing factor. Gen Z is a generation that does not experience the same prejudices as millennials and Gen X, who still belonged to a generation in which discussing mental health issues or asking for help was seen as unusual or wrong. This raises the question of why this generation is subject to less guilt and shame. Why has stigma diminished in the era of Generation Z?

Channeling the Level of Care of Mental Illness:

Gen Z was raised in a culture where seeking treatment for psychological issues is common and accepted. They have no negative associations with discussing the alternative because they are unaware of it. Gen Z views seeking mental health support as a strength rather than a limitation, much like going to the doctor for a broken bone would be considered a wise move.

Using social media to reduce stereotypes:

Through connectivity and shared understanding, social media has assisted in normalizing mental health issues and reducing stereotypes among this generation. Generation Z was raised in a time when seeking help was encouraged and accepted.

Generation Z has experienced the full range of mental health awareness. In contrast to being shrouded in secrecy, mental health is talked about openly, just like one would talk about brushing their teeth or washing their hair. This shift in perspective is largely being driven by social media and the Internet, as well as gradually evolving viewpoints in the mainstream media and public perception.

Spotlight Culture:

Generation Z was raised in a society where stigmatization is accepted as the norm. This is particularly clear in the way that language has evolved. Prior generations’ knowledge of mental health was frequently more constrained by what their parents had told them, what they had learned in school, and what was generally whispered or rumored in their private lives and in popular culture.

Taking Part in Cure:

Finally, Gen Z has taught older generations the importance of taking an active role in one’s own treatment and recovery in order to effectively manage stress and make progress toward achieving one’s goals. The best course of action for managing mental health is to face the issue head-on and seek assistance.

A Message from Wellbeing:

The worldview of each generation is shaped by the surroundings in which they were brought up. Despite how much pressure Gen Z seems to experience on a daily basis, every generation has experienced stress and has handled it in a different way.

To advance to a better way of life, change is required, and it is evident. No matter what generation you are a part of, stay up to date by keeping your eyes and ears open. What appears to be wrong to you today might become the norm tomorrow. The only thing that is constant, as they say, is change.

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