RAWALPINDI: Anti-harassment committees to protect women established in all offices, factories and other workplaces must have detailed knowledge of their responsibilities and relevant laws so that their members can ensure that justice is delivered effectively.
This was discussed in a divisional dialogue regarding the implementation of anti-harassment laws in workplaces organised at a local hotel in which Provincial Ombudswoman Nabila Hakeem Khan and United Nations Technical Specialist Tania Durrani participated.
Officials from other departments including health, education, population and social welfare of Rawalpindi Division were also present. Manager of UN Women Samman Ashar, UN Consultant Mumtaz Mughal, Punjab Ombudsman Consultant Abdul Rashid, Law Officer Mohammad Abbas and others participated in the dialogue.
System being created to keep complainants up-to-date
A detailed briefing was given on laws related to the harassment of women and the measures adopted.
Ms Khan said anti-harassment laws had played an important role in providing a safe environment for women in offices, factories and other workplaces and now women were more confident and could perform their duties in a favourable environment.
Under the anti-harassment laws, a system is being devised to give continuous updates of the case to the complainant, under which the complainant will be informed about all stages of processing of the complaint.
She said the consultation process was ongoing at the divisional level to implement the laws in a more effective manner, adding that without a safe environment, society could not benefit from the potential of women and development and prosperity were not possible without the participation of women in the economic process and self-sufficiency.
UN Representative Tania Durrani said awareness of women’s rights and implementation of anti-harassment laws in Pakistan had improved significantly, in which the ombudsman and other government departments had played a significant role.
She said women in public and private departments had got a better environment than before, which was a result of joint efforts between the government and people. Officials of various departments spoke about their recommendations.
Published in Dawn, August 17th, 2022