Factory supervisor exposed as ‘predator’

Women employees who denied sexual advances were dismissed from jobs

SHEIKHUPURA:

Female workers at a factory at Joyan Wala Morr in Sheikhupura were reportedly sexually harassed and dismissed from their jobs over refusing to engage in sexual relationships with the factory head.

Due to the non-implementation of labor laws in Pakistan, it has become a major challenge to provide employment for women hailing from low-income households. A multinational company’s production unit, located on Lahore Road in Sheikhupura, was exposed for the harassment of its female workers.

A 24-year-old resident of Sheikhupura named Kainat, whose father passed away three years ago, took the responsibility of taking care of her mother, sister and mentally-challenged brother. She started working at the factory for a monthly salary of Rs20,000.

During her employment, Kainat was harassed multiple times and when she refused the physical advances of the factory officer, she was fired without notice. The sudden loss of her job caused financial difficulties for her and her family also became distressed.

Kainat approached the police in Housing Colony where a complaint was lodged, alleging that the factory supervisor Rashid would habitually tease and harass female workers. Instead of taking action against the supervisor, the factory manager imposed a ban on Kainat's entry to the facility. When questioned, Rashid demanded to meet Kainat alone, imposing solitude as a requirement.

An FIR was registered at Housing Colony Police Station, stating that factory supervisor Rashid would continuously tease and harass female workers and force them to provide sexual favours to himself and officers of the company.

Kainat’s complaint stated that a multitude of employees were dismissed from their jobs in the past over refusing to engage in sexual relationships with officers of the factory. The affected women informed higher-ranking company officials about the propositions and threats made to them, but no action was taken and they were not reinstated.

It has been revealed that due to financial difficulties and fear of losing their jobs, several female workers gave in and complied with the demands of the factory officers. Kainat and other employees who have spoken up are facing reprisal, with Kainat herself receiving threats of dire consequences.

Meanwhile, senior officers managed to free Rashid from police custody. The affected female workers appealed to the Punjab Chief Minister and Prime Minister of Pakistan to not only take strict action against the group that harasses women in the multinational company, but also to provide a safe work environment for female workers nationwide.

Sheikhupura Labour Deputy Director Ishtiaq Haider while told The Express Tribune that notices have been issued to the factory officials concerned. According to the law, strict action will be taken against individuals involved in harassment.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 7^th, 2023.