Daily Times

In Pakistan, women’s rights, harassment and other related issues take centre stage mostly in March, when controversy around the Aurat March splashes across the media. The fact is, almost all working women face harassment at work, during commutes, and elsewhere. This must become a constant discussion to bring about real change.

The Home-Based Women Workers Federation (HBWWF) has revealed alarming figures that 85 per cent of women workers in Pakistan experience workplace harassment. The number touches 90 per cent for domestic help. The reality is that our societal norms have entrenched this menace. Values can be changed through awareness and laws. The Workplace Harassment Act of 2010 is a good legislative piece, but without enforcement, it is toothless. Harassment cases, reported to relevant forums, often face judicial delays and social apathy.

Harassment is not confined to workplaces. Women face constant harassment in the digital sphere; almost all women face online harassment but only 40 per cent of them report them. Domestic violence against women remains rampant. Physical and sexual abuse remains widespread. These challenges are compounded for women from religious minorities. They are denied inheritance rights despite legal protections.

The statistics paint a bleak picture. Women make up 49.4 per cent of the working-age population. Sadly, they account for only 23.5 percent of the labour force, as per the Pakistan Labour Force Survey. Pakistan ranked 143 out of 146 on the Global Gender Gap Index of 2023.

Women in Pakistan do not only battle misogynistic attitudes but also fight for democracy, children’s rights, equality, social and judicial justice and better social conditions. Present-day stories of activists like Sammi Baloch and Sorath Lohar show that women have always stood at the forefront of resistance. The demands of Baloch women for the return of their loved ones reflect the heartbreaking struggles of marginalised groups.

Lip service, grim data figures and heart-breaking stories may not bring about a visible change. We need to go beyond lip service. What can change the scenario are economic opportunities for women, equal pay and a harassment-free workplace. These are not privileges but rights. Inclusive measures are essential for true political representation. Moreover, the plight of incarcerated women cannot be ignored. Poor prison conditions, lack of legal support, and healthcare access must be urgently addressed. The time for action is long overdue. *