“Safe Spaces, Countering Harrasment at Workplace”
Islamabad : – With rising cases of harassment at work places Pakistan Human ResourceNetwork (PHRN) in collaboration with Shaheed Bhutto Organization (SBF) and School of Politics and International Relations(SPIR) organized a seminar in Quaid-e-Azam University.
The notable speaker in the session includes Mr. Asif Khan CEO of Shaheed Bhutto Foundation, Ms.Meher Jamy Law Officer of FOSPAH, Mr. Riasat Ali Azad President Islamabad High Court Bar Association, Ms. Hifza Bukhari Advocate Supreme Court, Mian Zahid Sultan President Human Rights Council Pakistan and Senator Farhatullah Babar and Ms.Maria Rafique President Pakistan Human Resource Network.
Mr. Asif Khan addresses that PPP has always upheld the status of women as it’s a party that was once led by Shaheed Benazir Bhutto who being a women herself never failed to upheld dignity of every women who was the victim of harassment. It’s a pity that in this modern era women empowerment in our country is far less and these cases strengthen the concept that women should stay inside.
Ms.Mehr Jamy explained the work of FOSPAH, how their organization is helping many victims and one don’t have to pay any registration or lawyer fee. The session can be held online and provided justice within ninety days ensuring security and confidentiality of the victim.
Ms.Hifza Bukhari enlightened the audience that it is not only the role of law but society as well to develop maturity enough to realize the actual potential without diverting their strength in dominating women.
Mian Zahid Sultan explained the concept how a girl feel that after extreme hard work and coming out with a distinction and faces harassment on the very first day of job. Instead of enjoying her hard work she is bewildered by the attitude of the society. He further said its duty of companions to help harassment victim instead of doing the role of bystanders.
Senator Farhatullah Babar belonging to PPP also advocated Shaheed Benazir’s role in combating harassment and believes in strengthening of morals of the citizens. As the victim is undergoing too much and not giving a helping hand by the society is a severe injustice. At first, the society should raised standard the law which was basically meant for jobs has to be widened to educational institutions which being an Islamic Country clearly tells where we stand.
Ms. Maria Rafique President PHRN stressed that “organizations must adopt comprehensive anti-harassment policies, foster inclusive leadership, provide regular training, establish confidential reporting mechanisms, and offer support services to victims” to combat workplace harassment. She made these remarks at the ‘Safe Spaces: Countering Harassment at Workplace’ seminar, highlighting the need to break the culture of victim-blaming and empower women to ensure justice”.
