KARACHI, Dec 17: Speakers at a meeting here on Tuesday highlighted the problems being faced by women, especially working women, due to gender-based discrimination.

The meeting was organized jointly by the Workers-Employers Bilateral Council of Pakistan (WEBCOP) and the Alliance Against Sexual Harassment (AASHA). Award were given to the firms strictly observing the code of conduct for gender justice at their premises.

The speakers were of the view that a country could not progress if half of its population stayed away from the economic activities or was denied a gender sensitive environment to work in.

They observed that a large number of women were subjected to sexual harassment at their workplace. They pointed out that incidents of such a harassment increased with the number of women indulging in outdoor activities for different purposes such as education, jobs etc.

Majority of women, they claimed, fell prey to harassment as soon as they attain the age of 13/14 and embarked upon an outdoor activity. They face harassment while using public transport, attending an educational institution, working in office and visiting a public place, they said.

In many cases, the victim of harassment appeared reluctant to reveal her ordeal fearing an embarrassment not only to herself but the whole of her family, they said. The speakers pointed out that in the past, the issue had never come to light as if it did not exist. The situation, they said, encouraged the perpetrators who continued to exploit women in this society.

They stressed the need for highlighting the issue and said that it must be discussed at different forums with a view to find a permanent solution.

They also urged the victims to reveal their ordeal boldly and bravely so that the culprits be brought to book and punished according to law.

The speakers also urged commercial organizations, especially those in export business, to ensure an environment congenial equally for men and women.

Ahsanullah Khan of the WEBCOP, Dr Fauzia Saeed of the AASHA, Haseena Moeen, Sahira Kazmi, Madeeha Gohar and many others spoke on the occasion. Saneya Saeed and Khalid Hassan conducted the programme.

Fahmida Riaz recited a poem and Musaddaq Sanwal, Afhan Ahmad and others sang songs. Earlier, a play highlighting the sexual harassment was also staged.

The companies which received awards were the ICI, Glaxo Welcome, Shell, J&P Coats, Marriott Hotel, First Women’s Bank, Qasim International Container Terminal, Hamdard Laboratories, International Foundation and Garments, Rechitt and Benchiser. They were selected from more than 150 aspirants of the award.