Larkana:The Consultant of the Provincial Ombudsman Regional Office Larkana, Syed Shakeel Haider, has said that educational institutions should be centers of learning, protection and character building, where teachers and female students are provided with a safe, respectful and conducive environment.
He expressed these views while addressing an awareness seminar on the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010, organized by the Provincial Ombudsman Regional Office Larkana at Government Girls High School (Little Focus), Larkana, on Thursday.
Syed Shakeel Haider said that educational institutions should serve as centers of learning, protection and character building, where a safe, respectful and conducive environment is ensured for female students and women. He said that harassing any teacher or female student not only affects her educational and professional performance but may also adversely affect her confidence, mental peace and future. He said that it is the responsibility of institutional administrations to take complaints regarding unpleasant incidents involving women seriously, conduct thorough inquiries and protect complainants from any retaliatory action.
He said that a woman subjected to harassment may experience persistent fear, anxiety, embarrassment and depression, which can affect her self-confidence and make it difficult for her to concentrate on studies or work. In such circumstances, a female student’s academic abilities may be affected, and she may even be compelled to leave the institution. He said that teachers may also fear losing their jobs or opportunities for promotion if they refuse to tolerate harassment.
He further said that in educational institutions, many girls remain silent due to fear of character assassination, family pressure and the possibility that no one would believe them when complaining against a powerful teacher or senior. This can negatively affect their careers and social lives.
He said that it is our collective responsibility to ensure that every woman feels safe and respected.
The seminar was also attended by Headmistress of Government Girls High School (Little Focus), Larkana, Ms. Rukhsana Naz Soomro, F.A. Marvi Meerani, Bushra Patojo, Afshan Magsi, Shahida Qureshi and others.