NCSW hopes for better environment for working women

23/12/2013
National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) Chairperson Khawar Mumtaz said lack of awareness about Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act 2010 was the biggest hurdle in its effective implementation.

Sharing her views on the eve of National Working Women Day to be observed every year on December 22, she eulogised the services of working women rendered for the country.

The day is observed to acknowledge the struggle of working women in securing a dignified and respectful working environment.

It is also celebrated to acknowledge the economic contributions made by women to the country as women are increasingly joining the ranks of doctors, engineers, lawyers, judges, journalists, armed forces, scientists and business administrators.

In a statement issued on Saturday Khawar said, NCSW collaborated with the Pakistan government and other civil society organisations to facilitate the women who have entered the mainstream society and are practically contributing in national economy. She said successive federal and provincial governments in Pakistan showed commitment to the cause of women and promulgation of the `Protection against Harassment of Women at Workplace Act 2010' was manifestation of government resolve to address the concerns and issues of working women. She said it was a landmark move to help Pakistani women work without fear of being harassed or discriminated.

The government has recently introduced the online facility for victims of harassment at workplace through Federal Ombudsman Secretariat (FOS) for the implementation of the act.

Khawar said most of the private and public sector organisations are not implementing the law in letter and spirit like the mandatory requirement to display the copies of code of conduct in English.

"The organisations may be fined up to Rs 100,000 if an employee lodges a complaint of harassment," she added.

NCSW chief stressed the need of acknowledging the rights and contributions of home-based workers and introducing policies and laws for them. The country now has a legal obligation to comply with international laws and is monitored by the International Labour Organisation's Committee on Application of Standards, she said.