Pakistan

Sexual harassment

Rabia Syed April 27, 2010

Sexual harassment

RIYADH: With reference to your story on sexual harassment titled ‘The law against sexual harassment exists, now what?’ by Sehrish Asif (April 25), the sad fact is that women are harassed practically everywhere, and not just in the workplace. Regrettably, many of them would rather suffer on their own instead of speak out against those who harass them. The story in your paper did not mention the names of those who had been harassed and that is good – but perhaps the names of those who harassed them should have been mentioned?

COMMENTS (4)

M.Shariq Butt | 14 years ago | Reply I am 100 and ten percent agreed with my sis Rabia and Amna. The names of the organization and the bosses would had been mentioned in the article. So that other females would avoid joining those organizations. Its really sad to see that such shamful activites are going on in a country which was taken in the name of Islam. Good work the Tribune and Ms Wasif.

Omar Farooq | 14 years ago | Reply They should be treated according to law of Islam.

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Nazakat Hussain | 14 years ago | Reply I do agree with Rabia and Amna that names of people who harrased should be exposed, not only expose but also distribute the print version of newspaper at their doorstep in office as well as at home so that they realize they did WRONG. It will be lesson for them as well as for others associated in any way.

Amna | 14 years ago | Reply I agree with Rabia Syed’s stand on exposing people accused of such vile acts. But the original story by Sehrish Wasif needs to assume a more unbiased approach. While I agree that The Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act 2010 is not very thorough and execution seems tricky, we should learn to give a bit of credit where it’s due. At least this Act has set the ball rolling for discussions in this regard. Also, there are many organizations who have taken a stand for women. During a recent discussion with a friend’s friend I came to know that PSO has strict measures in place to take to task individuals who seek to undermine, threaten or intimidate its female employees, through harassment of any sort. That is a very bold step, especially coming from a public-sector organization. Recently, the MD at PSO also had an impromptu sit-in for all the female staff specifically to discuss issues bothering them in the workplace. I realize that the average Pakistani woman takes a huge risk when stepping out to earn a living but there are those few who are making an effort to reverse the scenario and should be quoted to serve as an example to the rest. Regards, Amna

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