HARIPUR:
Society’s attitude to sexual harassment and the absence of public awareness on the laws enacted to keep it under check has put working women in a vulnerable position.
This was said at a seminar on the Sexual Harassment Act 2010 organised by Human Development Organization (HDO) on Wednesday. The session was attended by women who work in the industrial sector along with representatives of various government and non-governmental organisations.
Speaking on the occasion, Sahira Khan, a psychologist for HDO, provided an overview on the harassment laws in Pakistan. “If a man is found guilty under the law, he could be sentenced to five years of imprisonment and fined Rs300,000,” Khan said.
According to the psychologist, an incident can be brought to the attention of an in-house three-member enquiry committee. It is mandatory that one of the members is a woman. If the committee fails to reach a decision, a case can be filed under Section 509 of the Pakistan Penal Code against an employee or employer, Khan said.
“The tradition of silence and ignorance which surrounds this issue will only encourage men to harass women who they work with,” she added.
Khan urged women to take a firm stance on sexual harassment and register complaints against any colleague at work. HDO will provide free legal advice and counseling to all women who have faced sexual harassment, she said.
Root of the problem
During the seminar, a group of working women said that despite the existence of sexual harassment laws, women are still in a vulnerable position.
Gul Bibi, an industrial worker, drew attention to the fact that several organisations had yet to introduce enquiry committees.
“Most women do not file complaints as they face tremendous social pressure from their family,” she said. “Some women aren’t aware of the law and are often discouraged by police apathy.”
According to Naeema Bibi, another working woman, police do not always respond to their grievances in an effective manner.
Participants adopted a resolution to develop enquiry committees at all offices and create a more conducive environment to deal with sexual harassment. They also demanded police should adopt a stronger policy of dealing with complaints filed by victims. Moreover, schools and colleges should raise awareness about the sexual harassment laws to stem the menace.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 20th, 2014.
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