SHe-Box Portal: How Women Can File Workplace Sexual Harassment Complaints Online in India

Team L&M

In a significant step towards strengthening women’s safety at the workplace, the Government of India has introduced the Sexual Harassment electronic–Box (SHe-Box)—an online complaint management system designed to make reporting workplace harassment easier, faster, and more transparent.

The SHe-Box portal aims to ensure effective implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, commonly known as the SH Act.

What is SHe-Box?

SHe-Box is an online platform that allows women to register complaints of sexual harassment at the workplace directly with the concerned authorities.

The system has been developed to provide a streamlined, confidential, and accessible method for women to seek redressal without procedural delays.

Who Can File a Complaint on SHe-Box?

The portal is currently available to:

• Women working in Central Government offices
• Employees of Ministries, Departments, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
• Staff in Autonomous Bodies and Institutions
• Women visiting any of these workplaces

Importantly, even those who have already submitted a written complaint to their organisation’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) can also file their case on SHe-Box for better tracking and escalation.

How the SHe-Box System Works

Once a complaint is submitted through the portal:

1. It is automatically forwarded to the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) of the relevant organisation.
2. The ICC, which has jurisdiction over the case, initiates an inquiry as per the SH Act guidelines.
3. Both the complainant and the authorities can monitor the progress of the case online.

This digital tracking ensures greater accountability and transparency in handling sensitive workplace issues.

Government’s Vision for Expansion

According to Maneka Gandhi, the initiative is a step towards broader inclusivity.

“Though currently this facility has been extended to employees of the Central Government, the scope of the portal will soon be expanded to include women employees in the private sector as well.”

Why SHe-Box is Important

The introduction of SHe-Box marks a crucial advancement in workplace safety and women’s rights in India. Key benefits include:

• Easy online complaint filing
• Direct access to concerned authorities
• Transparent case tracking
• Strengthened implementation of legal protections

By digitising the complaint process, the government aims to empower women to speak up without fear or procedural barriers.

Conclusion

The SHe-Box portal is a progressive step toward creating safer workplaces in India. By combining technology with legal safeguards, it ensures that women have a reliable and efficient platform to report harassment and seek justice.

As awareness grows and the system expands to the private sector, SHe-Box has the potential to become a cornerstone in India’s fight against workplace harassment.