Implementation Mechanism: Protection against Harassment of Women at Workplace Act 2010

Abstract

Pakistan is widely known and appreciated in the world for its history, Islamic culture and norms. Since the creation of Pakistan, it inherited poverty in its roots. There are many reasons as its root cause but it also lies on the shoulder of women who are 50% of the total population of Pakistan. On the apex of it, women do not take part in the development of Pakistan because when they step out of their homes, they suffer allot of problems. These problems become hurdle in their active participation in development. Government has tried to create an environment for those women, who suffer different problems. Harassment of women at work place is one of those problems which discourage women in taking active part in economic and social development of society. Women Activists, from the last decade, were working for the protection of woman’s right at workplace and they succeeded in formulation of Harassment Act 2010. Law is vague without its proper mechanism of implementation. This research paper will provide information about the provisions of law, which are related to the harassment of women at workplace and explore the effectiveness of its implementation. To know about its mechanism of implementation, this study was conducted in twin cities of Pakistan, Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Interviews were conducted with the employees and employer of organizations, women activists, NGOs workers, educational institutions, lawyers, Judges and some law enforcement officers. Group discussions were also held with teachers, students of Human rights and religious personalities. This report focuses on the implementation mechanism of new legislation in Pakistan. It also highlights some important facts related to its enforcement.