Introduction

At StarkSouk, we are committed to fostering a work environment that is safe, respectful, and inclusive for all our partners, whether they are agencies, studios, or freelancers. We believe that everyone deserves to work free from harassment, discrimination, or any form of inappropriate behavior. Our policy reflects this belief and applies to all individuals working with us, regardless of their gender, race, sexual orientation, or employment status.

This policy ensures compliance with global standards and legal frameworks, including those aligned with The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, and aims to extend these protections to all genders.

What is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment includes any unwelcome behavior that is sexual. This can happen in physical, verbal, written, or electronic forms and includes:

  1. Physical contact and advances: Unwanted touching, brushing against someone, or assault.
  2. Requests for sexual favors: Unwanted advances, suggestive comments, or propositions.
  3. Sexually colored remarks: Repeatedly making comments, jokes, or slurs of a sexual nature.
  4. Displaying inappropriate content: Sharing or showing pornography, explicit images, or suggestive objects during work calls or in the workspace.
  5. Inappropriate behavior during virtual interactions: Any background content (photos, posters, etc.) with sexual context during video calls.
  6. Electronic harassment: Sending inappropriate messages, emails, or social media content of a sexual nature.

Harassment can occur between any individuals, regardless of gender. It is not the intention of the person engaging in the behavior, but the impact on the individual subjected to such behavior that defines harassment.

Reporting Sexual Harassment

If you experience or witness any form of sexual harassment while working with StarkSouk or its partners, you are encouraged to report the issue. Here's how:

  1. Who can file a complaint?

    Any individual (employed or not) who believes they have been subjected to sexual harassment by any partner associated with StarkSouk.

  2. How to file a complaint?

    Complaints should be made in writing and include as much detail as possible (dates, incidents, individuals involved, witnesses, etc.). Complaints can be submitted to our Internal Committee (IC), which will handle these cases confidentially and impartially.

    Submit complaints to:

    Email: [[email protected]]

    You may also submit complaints in person or through your agency, studio, or freelance contact at StarkSouk.

Internal Committee (IC)