Alleged harassers should not be given civil awards: Shireen Mazari

Minister for Human Rights spoke about harassment and loopholes in the justice system

Federal Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari spoke on the important issue of women empowerment during a press talk held at the President’s house.

Mazari began by lauding President Arif Alvi for taking several important initiatives during his ongoing tenure. "You're redefining the presidency in a very positive way," she said. The PTI minister shared the Human Rights Ministry is the strategic ministry of the country. "Whether it's law ministry, economic empowerment, health for women or education - all of it falls under the umbrella of human rights."

Mazari went on to shed the light on how the current government has worked relentlessly to tackle sensitive issues such as child abuse, a program for awareness of women's inheritance, a law that has been proposed for the welfare of transgenders and improvement of the juvenile justice system. She, however, concurred that the implementation of such laws isn't as easy as one would think.

"One thing we do need to have a conversation about is violence, harassment, and cyberstalking," she pointed out. "While women are definitely empowered by economic structure, protection against women abuse, and laws for female inheritance, the real issues women face is in the court of law. There are laws for khula, but the agony a woman faces when she has to deal with legal battles is painful. How will we work on such issues?"

She went on to address workplace harassment as well. "Our societal concept is how if a woman does not cover her head, if she is progressive then she is guilty," Mazari remarked, adding, "If she complaints about harassment and is someone who is in the showbiz industry, then she isn't credible or is lying. On the other hand, men who are part of the showbiz are quite powerful. Some of them are even married into the families of very influential lawyers. So we, as a government, should discourage and disown any man who has been suspected of harassment. We should not consider them (alleged harassers) for national awards."

The politician added on how the cases are still pending and not heard at the Supreme Court due to the influence of the accused. "These people are powerful," she said, "The cases are still not being heard at the courts on merit. If we wish to lead by example, we have to make our stance against harassment of women very clear and strong."

Mazari added the stance shouldn't just be limited to physical harassment but to gender-based violence as well. "We have a helpline; an application has been introduced for the same."

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