Federal Ombudswoman for Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Fauzia Waqar on Friday called on women to report all forms of gender-based discrimination at work, including physical misconduct, denial of equal opportunities, disregard for merit, and restrictions on senior roles. She emphasized that awareness and timely complaints are essential for ensuring legal protection and holding offenders accountable.
Expanded Legal Definition of Harassment
The Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010, was amended by the Senate on January 4, 2022, broadening its scope. Under the amendment, harassment is defined as: (i) any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favors, stalking or cyber stalking, or other verbal, visual, or written communication or physical conduct of a sexual nature, or sexually demeaning attitudes—including gestures or expressions conveying derogatory connotations—that interfere with work performance, create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment, or punish the complainant for refusing such requests, or make compliance a condition for employment; or (ii) discrimination based on gender, which may or may not be sexual in nature, but embodies a discriminatory and prejudicial mindset resulting in gender-based discriminatory behavior against the complainant.
Law Applies Across All Sectors
During a locally televised interview, Fauzia stated that the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace law is in effect across both public and private sector institutions. She warned that anyone found guilty would be held accountable under the law. She highlighted that workplace harassment is not limited to unwelcome physical contact but also includes gender-based discrimination that prevents women from obtaining senior roles despite being qualified on merit.
Conduct That Constitutes Harassment
Explaining the law, the ombudswoman said repeated attempts to invade a woman's personal space, standing unnecessarily close, or any conduct that creates an intimidating or hostile work environment may also constitute workplace harassment. She urged women not to suffer in silence out of fear of victim-blaming, encouraging them to report such incidents. She reaffirmed that the law provides equal protection and applies uniformly across both public and private institutions.
Penalties and Protection Against Retaliation
The law provides for stringent penalties, including substantial fines and other legal punishments, for those found guilty of workplace harassment or for anyone attempting to suppress a complaint or retaliate against a complainant, Fauzia added. She stressed that the law protects complainants from victimization and ensures that those engaging in revenge or intimidation can also be held accountable. Therefore, women should not fear retaliatory action for reporting cases.
Government's Zero-Tolerance Policy
The federal ombudswoman asserted that the government maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards workplace harassment. She stated that the Federal Ombudsperson Secretariat for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH) remains committed to ensuring timely justice, safeguarding women's rights, and promoting safe and dignified workplaces across the country.
