1. About

The Women Welfare and Vishakha Cell (WWVC) at Adivasi Seva Samiti’s Arts and Commerce College, Wadala, Nashik, is committed to promoting the welfare, safety, and empowerment of women within the institution. It aims to create a secure, gender-sensitive, and supportive environment where women can thrive academically, professionally, and personally.

The cell functions in accordance with government policies, legal frameworks, and institutional guidelines, including the Vishakha Guidelines and POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) Act, 2013, to address issues related to harassment, discrimination, career growth, health, and well-being of women.

2. Objectives of the Women Welfare and Vishakha Cell

1. Women’s Safety and Security

• Ensure a harassment-free and secure campus environment.
• Address complaints related to sexual harassment, discrimination, and misconduct as per POSH and Vishakha Guidelines.
• Install safety measures such as CCTV cameras, helplines, and emergency response teams.

2. Awareness and Legal Literacy

• Organize seminars, workshops, and campaigns on women's rights, gender equality, and legal protection.
• Educate women about laws such as the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013.
• Conduct self-defense training for female students and staff.

3. Health and Wellness Support

• Promote women’s physical and mental well-being through health camps, counseling sessions, and wellness programs.
• Conduct awareness sessions on menstrual hygiene, reproductive health, and mental health.
• Arrange for gynecological consultations and psychological counseling.

4. Career Development and Financial Independence

• Provide career counseling, mentorship, and job placement assistance.
• Conduct workshops on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and leadership development.
• Encourage women to participate in skill development and vocational training programs.

5. Gender Sensitization and Equality

• Conduct programs to educate students and staff about gender biases and stereotypes.
• Encourage equal opportunities for women in leadership roles, research, and decision-making positions.
• Collaborate with men’s support groups to foster an inclusive culture.

6. Grievance Redressal and Vishakha Compliance

• Establish a confidential grievance redressal mechanism for women facing workplace or academic discrimination.
• Ensure compliance with Vishakha Guidelines to prevent and address sexual harassment cases effectively.
• Provide legal aid and counseling to victims of harassment or violence.
• Maintain strict confidentiality while addressing complaints.

3. Structure and Composition of the Cell

Sr. No.	Name of the Member	Designation
1.	Ms. Hina Sadik Shaikh	Chairperson
2.	Ms. Diksha Sanjay Jagtap	Incharge
3.	Mr. Sadique Ali Peerzada	Member
4.	Mr. Tayyab Lala Shaikh	Member
5.	Ms. Divya Keshav Salunkhe	Psychological Expert
6.	Durgeshwari Ashok Pawar	Student Representative
7.	Dr. Manisha Mahajan	External Expert

4. Activities and Initiatives of the Cell

Educational and Awareness Programs

• Organize guest lectures and panel discussions on gender issues, domestic violence, and women’s rights.
• Conduct self-defense workshops and awareness campaigns on personal safety.
• Distribute informational booklets and posters on legal rights and available support services.

Legal and Psychological Support

• Provide free legal aid and consultations to women in need.
• Set up counseling centers for emotional and psychological support.
• Maintain a helpline for emergency assistance.

Health and Hygiene Programs

• Organize health camps, vaccination drives, and menstrual hygiene awareness programs.
• Provide free sanitary products and health kits for female students.
• Conduct mental health workshops on stress management and self-care.

Career and Skill Development

• Conduct job fairs, resume-building workshops, and career counseling sessions.
• Provide entrepreneurship training and financial literacy programs.
• Encourage women to participate in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.

Gender Sensitization Campaigns

• Host interactive discussions on gender equality and workplace ethics.
• Organize film screenings, debates, and essay competitions on women’s empowerment.
• Collaborate with men’s groups to promote a gender-inclusive culture.

Grievance Handling and Vishakha Compliance

• Set up complaint boxes and online grievance submission portals.
• Establish a strictly confidential inquiry and resolution process.
• Ensure timely action and follow-ups on complaints as per Vishakha Guidelines.

5. Collaboration and Networking

• Legal Bodies: Women’s commissions, law enforcement agencies, and human rights organizations.
• NGOs and Social Groups: To provide additional training and support.
• Government Schemes: Such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Women Entrepreneurship Programs, and Self-Help Groups.

6. Implementation and Monitoring

1. Regular Meetings

• Conduct at least three meetings per year or as required in emergencies.
• Discuss and evaluate cases, activities, and initiatives.

2. Feedback Mechanism

• Collect feedback through anonymous surveys and suggestion boxes.
• Improve policies based on student and staff feedback.

3. Reporting and Documentation

• Maintain records of complaints, resolutions, and initiatives.
• Submit annual reports to institutional authorities for review and improvements.

By fostering a safe and empowering environment, Adivasi Seva Samiti’s Arts and Commerce College, Wadala, Nashik, through its Women Welfare and Vishakha Cell, remains committed to the holistic development and well-being of women in education.