Call to provide dignified environment to working women

LAHORE : The vital contribution of women in strengthening national economy must be acknowledged and their genuine demands  should be accepted. Besides this, recognizing their effective role, women should be provided friendly and dignified work environment and facilities where women can thrive and contribute their full potential towards the nation’s progress.

These views were expressed by speakers at a seminar jointly organised by Office of the Ombudsperson and Women in Struggle for Empowerment (WISE) in connection with the commemoration of National Working Women Day at the Punjab Institute of Language, Art and Culture (PILAC) here on Saturday.

A large number of working women, lady health workers, several women representatives of civil society organisations, labour unions and govt departments including police department and media participated in the event.

Addressing the seminar, Punjab Women Ombudsperson Ms Nabeela Hakim said that harassment is a serious issue due to which women either leave education or service because their families cannot protect them daily. Insecure work environment is a major hurdle in the way of women who intend to join the jobs, she added.

She further said that there is a need to provide secure and congenial atmosphere to women at workplaces. And this can only be ensured through raising awareness and sensitizing men. She urged the working women to speak against the violation of their rights and if they face sexual harassment at workplace, feel free to contact her office.

She told that a total of 3,500 complaints were received in the last three years, with a conviction rate of 80%. She appreciated the role of civil society in highlighting and promoting the women’s human rights in Pakistan.

WISE Executive Director Ms Bushra Khaliq said that care economy is fast growing as women-specific purple economy.