'Confidence is the only weapon to eliminate harassment'

Ziauddin University hosts interactive seminar on protection against harassment of women at workplaces

Every woman has a story, some have the courage to tell it to the world and some are not confident enough to share it with even their families.

This was stated by Social Policy and Development Centre (SPDC) Managing Director Prof Dr Khalida Ghaus. She was addressing an interactive seminar, 'Protection against harassment of women at the workplace', organised by Ziauddin University.

As many as 85% females suffer harassment of different kinds on a routine basis at various public places throughout the city, especially while traveling via public transport, she said.

"It is known to all that we have a full-fledged procedure of law to file a complaint against cases pertaining to harassment, but women usually feel too frightened to report such cases as it is a taboo in our society," said Dr Ghaus.

The objective of the event was to create an awareness in society regarding harassment faced by females.

Dr Ghaus said we need to provide knowledge related to the actual meaning of harassment and we need to reinforce the level of self-belief, optimism and confidence in a woman to communicate with men pragmatically and boldly.



The burden of self-esteem, respect and dignity that a woman is carrying on her shoulders is the main reason for her failure to tell people about her exploitation, said Dr Ghaus, adding that collectively, we need to work on breaking stereotypes and giving women the strength to raise their voices.

Model and actress Sarwat Gillani urged women to speak louder. "Nobody is going to speak for us. It's our responsibility to speak for ourselves. We should stop a harasser and learn to say no," she said, adding that unfortunately, many women do not know about the laws protecting women.

Social activist Advocate Zia Ahmed Awan said that in our society, discrimination starts even before a child is born. "A large number of cases for harassment that I have received are mostly of maids," he said. "You are not a good person if you are not helping others. Let's work together, let's think about the voiceless people," he added.

Psychologist Dr Atia Naqvi motivated women by saying, "You [women] have to hold your heads high, make yourself strong, trust your judgment and don't hide your feelings. If you are not comfortable with anyone, say it and learn to treat yourself with respect, otherwise it will be difficult for you survive in this society."



Senior pathologist Prof Dr Sirajuddaula Syed said that we are living in a society where females are handicapped and cannot speak up for their rights. "We, as a society, should teach them about their basic rights," he said.

Earlier, Ziauddin University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, in his welcome address, said that we have a male dominant society and we need to understand and ensure maximum protection to women. "Confidence is the only weapon to eliminate harassment," he said.