A divisional dialogue regarding the implementation of anti-harassment laws in offices and workplaces was organized at a local hotel in which Provincial Woman Ombudsman Nabila Hakeem Khan and Technical Specialist United Nations Tania Durrani specially participated.
Officers from other departments including Health, Education, Population and Social Welfare of Rawalpindi Division also participated in the dialogue. On this occasion, a detailed briefing was given regarding the laws related to the harassment of women and the measures taken in this regard.
Addressing the dialogue, Provincial Woman Ombudsman Nabila Hakeem Khan said that anti-harassment laws have played an important role in providing a safe environment for women in offices, factories and other workplaces and now women are more confident and can perform their duties in a favourable environment. She said that under the anti harassment laws, a system is being devised to give continuous updates of the case to the complainant, under which the complainant will be informed about all the stages of processing of the complaint. She said that the anti-harassment committees established in all offices, factories and other workplaces must have a detailed knowledge of their responsibilities and relevant laws so that they can effectively ensure the delivery of justice under these laws.
Nabila Hakeem Khan said that the consultation process is ongoing at the division level to implement the anti-harassment laws in a more effective manner, in which the officers and officials of the government departments are being consulted regarding making these laws more effective. She said that without a safe environment, the society cannot benefit from the potential of women and development and prosperity are not possible without the participation of women in the economic process and self-sufficiency.
UN Representative Tania Durrani said that awareness of women’s rights and implementation of anti-harassment laws in Pakistan has improved significantly, in which the Ombudsman and other government departments have played a significant role. She said that women in public and private departments have got a better environment than before, which is the result of the joint efforts of the government and the people.
On this occasion, the officers of various departments also informed about their recommendations and answer were given to questions of the participants. Manager UN Women Samman Ashar, Consultant UN Women Mumtaz Mughal, Consultant Punjab Ombudsman Abdul Rashid, Law Officer Punjab Ombudsman Muhammad Abbas and others also participated in the divisional dialogue.
