Workplace harassment

Letter April 18, 2019
One out of every two women experience workplace harassment in their lives

HYDERABAD: Harassment at workplace is, unfortunately, a very odious yet a common act. Women do not feel comfortable at their workplace and they are usually so afraid of the consequences that that they shrink from filing a complaint against the perpetrator.

According to studies, one out of every two women experience workplace harassment in their lives, but very few are brave enough to fight the culprits. Harassment is an offence against humanity and deprives women of their right to be in public spaces.

Many people also believe that women should be confined to the private sphere, because of which many parents force their daughters to stay at home. Men are morally bound to treat women well, as they are their partners and helpers. All religions have given equal rights to men and women. If women are excluded from the economic sphere, it will widen the gender gap and inequality in society.

Furthermore, according to a study by the IMF, increasing financial inclusion of women in India and Pakistan would increase female labour force participation and entrepreneurship, improve competitiveness and boost economic growth.

Pakistan is facing severe economic problems. Limited female participation in the economic sphere is one of the reasons. We must encourage our women to participate in economic activities as it will strengthen the economy. For this, we must ensure a safe work environment for women.

Ishaque Junejo

Published in The Express Tribune, April 18th, 2019.

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