WORK PLACE HARASSEMENT A SILENT & TOXIC ISSUE IN PAKISTAN

 

CAT CALLING At WORK PLACE

Introduction: Workplace harassment is a pervasive issue that can disrupt a once-thriving job and transform a company into a toxic and unproductive environment. Sadly, it often goes unreported because many employees are unsure of what constitutes harassment, whether sexual or otherwise. This article aims to shed light on the various forms of workplace harassment, its impact on individuals, and the importance of recognizing and addressing it.

Defining Workplace Harassment: Different people define workplace harassment in various ways. Ezer's definition, for instance, characterizes it as "irrational repeated behavior towards an employee or group of employees, which poses a health and security risk." Additionally, it can have detrimental effects on physical and mental health.

WOMEN BEING HARASSED IN DIFFERENT WAYS

Rose Book's Definition: Rose Book offers a comprehensive two-part definition of workplace harassment:

1.     Regardless of gender, race, sexuality, or any other defining characteristic, every person should have the basic human right to be "free from abusive treatment in the workplace."

2.     Workplace harassment has harmful effects on the victim and hinders their career advancement, limiting their capabilities.

Understanding Workplace Harassment: Contrary to common misconceptions, workplace harassment isn't limited to sexual harassment. According to the US Labor Department, it includes any offensive conduct, other than sexual abuse, that is severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile and offensive work environment. Psychological abuse, often referred to as emotional abuse, is also considered a form of workplace harassment. It typically occurs in situations of power imbalance and involves a person exposing their employee to actions that result in psychological trauma, anxiety, chronic depression, and, ultimately, defamation.

Gender Equality Issues in Pakistan: Pakistan ranks low on the Gender Equality Index, and statistics reveal that Pakistani women frequently encounter challenges like harassment, catcalling, and stalking when they leave their homes. Shockingly, 99% of Pakistani women in the workforce have experienced some form of harassment at least once in their lifetime.

GENDER INEQUALITY& MISUSE OF POWER

Legal Framework in Pakistan: While workplace harassment is criminalized under Section 509 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), 1860, there's a need for greater clarity and expansion of the law. Section 2(H) of the Protection against Harassment of Women at Workplace Act covers a wide range of actions as workplace harassment, including unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or any verbal or physical conduct that interferes with work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment for fellow employees.

Challenges in Reporting: In Pakistan, where the society is predominantly male-dominant, workplace harassment cases are often underreported. From 2014 to 2017, only 98 cases were reported, and a substantial 38% of those were eventually withdrawn. This underreporting can be attributed to various factors, including fear of retaliation and the burden of proof required.

According Barrister Nadia Naz UK working as Advocate in HC of Pakistan qualified Act 2010 (19^th October 2021) the Act 2010 for protection of women against harassment at work place is for sexual harassment or sexually demeaning attitudes causing interference with interference in work performance or creating an intimidating hostile work place or attempt to punish the Complainant for refusal to comply such request or make a condition for employment .

Further the victim has to proof that the perpetrator has an accompanying Sexual initiation  in order to be actionable against therefore the victims do not report.

Signs of Workplace Harassment: Here are some indicators of workplace harassment:

1.     Pervasive gossips and rumors.

2.     Bullying, which includes both overt verbal and psychological abuse.

3.     Unfair policies and their unequal enforcement (nepotism).

4.     Narcissistic leadership due to a culture that allows non-professional and unqualified individuals to hold positions of power.

5.     Lack of transparency and communication issues.

Conclusion: In conclusion, workplace harassment is a multifaceted issue that encompasses various forms of abuse and has detrimental consequences on victims and organizations. Recognizing the signs and understanding the legal framework is crucial in addressing and preventing such behavior in the workplace.