Why in news?
The Ministry of Women and Child Development highlighted improvements to the Sexual Harassment electronic Box (SHe‑Box) portal under the Mission Shakti initiative. A news release in June 2026 described the portal as a single‑window platform for registering and tracking workplace sexual‑harassment complaints.
Background
The SHe‑Box was launched in 2017 to operationalise the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. Its upgraded version, SHe‑Box 2.0, launched on 29 August 2024, combines multiple services and ensures faster complaint resolution. Mission Shakti, an umbrella scheme of the government, integrates various programmes for women’s safety and empowerment.
Key features
- Centralised complaints: The portal serves as a repository of information on Internal Committees (ICs) and Local Committees across government and private sectors. Women can lodge complaints and track their status in real time.
- Confidentiality and accessibility: SHe‑Box provides a secure, confidential interface accessible to women from organised and unorganised sectors. It supports 22 languages, including Hindi and English.
- Stakeholder coordination: The portal enables seamless communication among complainants, ICs and nodal officers, ensuring time‑bound processing of cases.
Significance
- Enhanced accountability: By digitising complaint management, SHe‑Box reduces delays and improves oversight under the 2013 Act.
- Women’s empowerment: Accessible reporting mechanisms encourage more women to speak up against workplace harassment without fear of stigma or retaliation.
- Mission Shakti integration: The portal complements broader initiatives aimed at women’s safety, such as awareness campaigns, skill development and economic empowerment.
Conclusion
SHe‑Box 2.0 represents a significant step in safeguarding women’s rights at work. By providing a simple interface for lodging and tracking complaints, it strengthens legal remedies and helps create safer workplaces. Continued awareness and efficient handling of cases will determine its long‑term impact.