LARKANA: Syed Shakeel Haider, Consultant at the Regional Office of the Provincial Ombudsman, Larkana, has said that every institution must take appropriate measures to provide women with a better working environment and protect them from harassment. For this purpose, he said all institutions should establish inquiry committees under Section 4 of the 2010 Act concerning the protection of women at workplaces.
He expressed these views while addressing an awareness seminar held today at Begum Nusrat Bhutto Girls Degree College, Larkana on Tuesday.
Syed Shakeel Haider said that a three-member inquiry committee should be constituted within institutions to investigate complaints regarding inappropriate incidents involving women. The committee must include at least one female member. It is required to resolve complaints within 30 days and prepare recommendations within seven days. These committees will have powers similar to those of a civil court and may investigate complaints and initiate action against those responsible in accordance with the applicable law,he added.
Furthermore, women can also submit their complaints to the provincial and federal Ombudsman offices, where appropriate proceedings may be initiated.
On the occasion, the college principal, Professor Shahida Parveen, addressed the seminar and stated that no leniency would be shown towards those who harass women. The college committee would investigate such complaints and ensure the timely provision of justice to affected employees, particularly women. Teachers, non-teaching staff and female students of the college also attended the seminar. A question-and-answer session was held on the occasion. Information Officer Larkana Mairaj Ahmed Samtio, along with Mansoor Ali Mangi and Abdul Sami Soomro, assistants to the Ombudsman’s consultant, was also present.