An amended bill on workplace harassment aimed at ensuring the increased participation of women and rectifying the legal loopholes had become law. The bill has been termed a revolutionary step which has strengthened the reach of the law.
The amended law will no longer be confined to sexual harassment at the workplace as many others forms are covered. Informal workers without a contract such as domestic workers, freelancers, interns, and volunteers are now covered allowing them to file cases. The law has redefined the concept of a workplace and clarifies what constitutes a hostile environment. A workplace will no longer be confined to any traditional office space but any place where a person works.
The preceding 2010 law had many legal lacunas and the concept of sexual harassment was limited to physical nature. The law did not cover other forms of harassment and gender discrimination at the workplace. Now any defamation case filed against the victim will be considered a form of retaliation. It is also not required to show a pattern of harassment and even one-time incidents will be considered enough to file a case. Victims can now also submit audio and video proof as evidence of harassment.
One of the most significant changes is the inclusion of domestic workers under the law. They are one of the most marginalised communities who had nowhere to turn in case of any harassment by their employers. We have also witnessed acts of brutal torture against household workers. Over 70 percent of the workforce in Pakistan is also part of the informal sector who will now be empowered.
The law will also protect students, actors, singers, performances and sportspersons. There have been many cases when students faced harassment within universities and college campuses but could not report the ordeal. Students can now lodge complaints against institutional harassment. The law also protects trans genders who are one of the most discriminated members of society.
A workplace should be a conducive environment where an employee feels should not feel insecure and prevented from reaching their full potential. Workplace harassment and discrimination is unfortunately endemic in our society. The amendment laws are a great step that needs to be strictly implemented and swift justice shall be ensured to protect the rights of everyone in the workplace.
