Seminar on 'Protection against Harassment of Women' held

Women participation is gradually increasing but still a major chunk of this class is unaware of the benefits of "the Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act 2010". Hence regular awareness sessions should be arranged to attract maximum women in nation-building and productive activities, said Syed Shabbir Akbar Zaidi Director Headquarters Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) Punjab.
Addressing an awareness seminar on "the Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act 2010" here on Saturday, he said that women are integral part of our society and they must be provided a harassment free atmosphere so that they could contribute their role in the national development.
He was critical of the isolation of the females and said that by keeping women away from productive activities we could not achieve our development targets. A friendly and congenial atmosphere is imperative particularly for the women at their workplace.
He said that the government has been striving hard to protect the legitimate rights of women and a number of steps have been taken to enhance their participation in nation building activities in addition to safeguard their interests. He particularly mentioned "the Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act 2010" and said that it has bound the male members of the society to pay due respect to the females. It also has very important clauses in which a person harassing women at their workplace could be punished.
He said that this act make employees, top management and owners of institutions provide women friendly-environment. The male members should be clearly advised to behave respectfully with the women without any element of harassment. Regional Director BISP Faisalabad Division Shehzad Hussain Hashmi said that this act has protected the fundamental rights of the women and after the promulgation of this act no one could dare to harass the female employees at their work place. Professor Dr Farkhanda Siddique and Farkhanda Khan Advocate also addressed the seminar and explained in details the key features of this act.