Larkana: Regional Consultant, Provincial Ombudsman Sindh, Larkana, Syed Shakeel Haider, on the directives of the Ombudsman, Justice (R) Shahnawaz Tariq, organized an awareness seminar on the topic ‘Awareness Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace’ at the Government Institute of Business and Commercial Education, Larkana, here on Wednesday.
The purpose of the seminar was to promote a safe, respectful, dignified and equal working environment for women and to provide them with awareness about their legal rights and available legal remedies against harassment at the workplace.
Teaching staff, students and working women participated in the seminar, where detailed discussions were held on issues faced by women at the workplace, the legal framework concerning harassment, the procedure for filing complaints, and practical measures for preventing harassment.
On the occasion, Regional Consultant Syed Shakeel Haider said that a dignified and respectful working environment is not a privilege for women but their fundamental right, while every institution should adopt a zero-tolerance policy against harassment.
He said that the workplace should provide an environment free from sexual, verbal, physical or any other form of harassment. It is essential to communicate with employees with dignity and respect, protect personal boundaries and privacy, ensure physical safety, and provide appropriate workplace facilities.
The seminar also emphasized equal opportunities for women in employment, training, promotion, responsibilities, recognition of performance and leadership positions. The participants were informed that decisions concerning women should be based on their qualifications and performance rather than gender, marital status or personal assumptions.
Syed Shakeel Haider briefed the participants on the relevant provisions of the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act (IV) of 2010 and the procedure for filing complaints. He also shed detailed light on the role and importance of Internal Inquiry Committees, identification of harassment, responsibilities of witnesses, professional boundaries, safe reporting mechanisms and the responsibilities of management.
He said that under the law, institutions are required to establish Internal Inquiry Committees, arrange regular awareness and training programmes for employees, formulate clear policies against harassment and ensure that employees are informed about such policies. It is also necessary to provide safe reporting channels for complainants, protect them from any form of retaliation, and ensure equal opportunities for women in employment and leadership.
During the question-and-answer session, participants asked questions regarding practical situations and various examples related to workplace harassment. They were provided guidance on appropriate reporting procedures and available legal remedies.
The Principal of the Government Institute of Business and Commercial Education, Larkana, Mehboob Ali Chandio, welcomed the visiting guests, while Information Officer Larkana, Miraj Ahmed Samtio, also attended the seminar. They termed the seminar highly informative and useful in enhancing understanding and awareness regarding workplace harassment issues.
Provincial Ombudsman Sindh’s Consultant Syed Shakeel Haider also thanked Mansoor Ali Mangi and Abdul Sami Soomro for their cooperation in making the seminar successful.