Workplace harassment against women is a pervasive and deeply concerning issue that undermines the principles of equality, respect, and dignity. This form of discrimination encompasses various behaviors, including verbal, physical, or visual acts that create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment. Such misconduct can manifest in the form of unwelcome comments, gestures, or advances, as well as unfair treatment or exclusion based on gender.
The impact of workplace harassment on women is profound, affecting not only their professional performance but also their mental and emotional well-being. It contributes to a toxic atmosphere that hinders career growth and perpetuates gender inequality. The fear of repercussions often silences victims, preventing them from reporting incidents and seeking redress. This silence perpetuates a culture of impunity, allowing harassers to evade accountability.
Employers must take a proactive stance to prevent and address workplace harassment against women. This involves implementing clear policies, fostering a culture of respect, providing education and training, and establishing robust reporting mechanisms. Creating an inclusive and supportive work environment is crucial for ensuring that women feel empowered to speak up against harassment, fostering a workplace that upholds the principles of fairness, equality, and dignity for all. Efforts to eradicate workplace harassment not only protect the rights of women but also contribute to building healthier, more productive, and equitable workplaces.
2. Presented By: Raja Raheem Ejaz Kiyani
Subject: Harassment Against Women at Workplace
Presented to: Respected Sir Badar
3. • Harassment against women at workplace is a
grim reality in Pakistan, according to several
studies, including one conducted by the
Alliance against Sexual Harassment (‘AASHA’).
• A research study conducted in Lahore has
shown that about 58 percent of nurses and
doctors are sexually harassed, usually at the
hands of other doctors, nurses, attendants,
patients and visitors.
4. • In the same vein, the Inquiry
Report on the Status of Women
Employment 2003,
commissioned by the National
Commission on the Status of
Women Employment, mentions
that nearly 50 percent of the
interviewed females working in
the public sector are alleged to
have been subjected to sexual
harassment.
5. • Yet another study conducted shows that a
total 24,119 cases of violence against
women were reported in Pakistan between
2008 to 2010; of these, 520 are workplace
harassment cases.
• Furthermore, the Human Rights
Commission of Pakistan (‘HRCP’) has
reported that around 91 percent of women
in the domestic work sector face
harassment.
6. • In light of this statistical evidence,
the Government of Pakistan has
passed the Protection against
Harassment of Women at the
Workplace Act 2010, which aims to
protect women from incidents of
workplace harassment.
7. • The Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act 2010 must
be appreciated since it is the first of its kind to address harassment as a significant
legal issue, which is violative of a woman’s right to work in Pakistan
8.
9. • Moreover, it has
allowed women to
raise their voice
against harassment
at the workplace
and has provided
them an equal
opportunity to
earn livelihood.
