“Sexual harassment is not about sex. It is about power”. These powerful words by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah in a recent Supreme Court judgment resonate deeply in a society that continues to grapple with systemic gender inequalities. By upholding the Lahore High Court’s decision to dismiss an individual charged with workplace sexual harassment, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has taken a decisive stand for the safety and dignity of working women, reinforcing the country’s commitment to eliminating harassment from professional environments. The significance of this judgment goes beyond the individual case; it acknowledges that workplace harassment is a widespread issue that perpetuates gender inequality, restricting women’s economic independence and professional growth. In a society where women are often silenced or demonised for speaking up, Such verdicts help send a clear message: a harassment-free workplace is essential for gender justice, which encompasses equal access to opportunities and the dismantling of discriminatory structures.
The reality, however, is starkly different. Pakistan ranks 145 out of 146 countries in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2024, with only Sudan behind it. This dismal ranking exposes the hollowness of political rhetoric on women’s empowerment and gender equality. It is a harsh reminder that women in Pakistan face multifaceted challenges, from unequal pay and limited opportunities to systemic harassment and societal prejudice. The blame for this disparity lies not just with cultural norms but also with institutional structures. Political parties in Pakistan, for instance, have consistently failed to provide equal opportunities to women. In the February 2024 general elections, women candidates on general seats constituted a mere 4.77 per cent, barely meeting the minimum 5.0 per cent threshold mandated by the Elections Act 2017. If political parties are reluctant to empower women within their ranks, how can we expect other sectors to champion gender equality? This lack of representation extends beyond politics. Women remain underrepresented in leadership positions across all sectors. Even in professions where women are increasingly joining the workforce, their journey is marred by harassment, pay disparities and societal judgments. Women journalists, for instance, are subjected to online harassment aimed at silencing their voices, while female leaders like Pakistan’s first female chief minister, Maryam Nawaz, face sexist attacks that focus on their appearance rather than their policies.
Our media is no better. Pakistani TV dramas routinely portray working women in a negative light, reinforcing damaging stereotypes. In the judiciary, women’s representation is dismal, reflecting the pervasive gender imbalance in all corridors of power. This systemic discrimination stifles the potential of half our population, holding back Pakistan’s progress as a nation. The Supreme Court’s judgment is a crucial step in the right direction, but it is only the beginning. To create a truly equal society, we need comprehensive changes across all levels. Political parties must prioritise gender equality, ensuring that women are not just represented but are active decision-makers. Workplaces must implement stringent anti-harassment policies and create safe environments for women to thrive and media narratives need to shift towards empowering portrayals of women. Most importantly, we need a cultural transformation that challenges patriarchal norms, respects women’s autonomy and recognises that empowering women leads to a more progressive and prosperous Pakistan.