DefinePK

Abstract

In 2010s, policy makers in Pakistan paid attention to the problem of sexual harassment at workplaces. In 2010, the Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010 was passed. The year 2013 saw that, after eighteenth amendment, the law was adopted by the Punjab government with the name “The Punjab Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2012”. The study makes its objective on the examination of status of implementation of the Act ibid in terms of received complaints and appeals, action taken against the culprits as well as the nature of complaints and appeals, jurisdiction of ombudsperson and application procedures. For the purpose convergent parallel mix methods study is conducted and secondary data analysis technique is used. Data available in official record in the office of Ombudsperson is utilized. Some case studies are also prepared. Results are reached through descriptive statistics and thematic investigation on case studies. From March 2013 to June 2022, date on 607 harassment applications was available which were processed being relevant. Further 68 appeals were received during the same period. In majority (53%) cases perpetrators were found convicted and punishments were given as per law. Impugning orders were upheld in (24%) appeals. It is analyzed from case studies that harassment exists at all levels but lower cadre females are facing severe level of harassment from higher ups. Law is being implemented in public sector but not in the private sector. Further studies are recommended to be conducted on primary data so that the actual status from the point of view of victims may also be ascertained.