Formation of vigilance committees demanded to end violence against women

Unions to chalk out plan for a safer workplace

KARACHI: On International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Home Based Women Workers Federation (HBWWF) and National Trade Union Federation (NTUF) demanded the formation of vigilance committee at all the workplaces to curb violence against women.

The meeting was organised on the directives of IndustriALL Global Union (IGU). IGU has initiated a global campaign to stop violence against women at workplaces and urged all of its affiliates to show their commitment to the cause. In the meeting, HBWWF and NTUF representatives discussed various issues faced by female workers and showed solidarity with all the women of the world.



They said that the ongoing violence seriously impacts female workers’ lives around the globe. “Violence against women is a violation of female’s human rights and an obstacle to gender equality, especially in Pakistan,” they maintained, adding that violence against women at work is a core trade union issue affecting workers’ rights, safety, health, and dignity. Unions should raise issues on a priority basis at their workplaces and take necessary steps to prevent female workers from all kinds of violence through awareness sessions.

The representatives held that to put an end to this violation of rights, unions must take a stand against all forms of violence and harassment against women and condemn all attitudes and actions that perpetuate sexism and violence in society.



They demanded that the government enact and enforce laws to protect women and ask all employers to form committees at their workplaces. They have decided to organise a consultation of formal and informal women workers to chalk out a plan to eradicate violence against female workers and provide them a safe workplace.