SHRC Organizes Awareness Session on Workplace Harassment in Compliance with the Protection Against Harassment Act
Irfan Ali
Karachi, The Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC) organized an awareness session on workplace harassment in line with the mandatory requirements of the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010, as amended in 2022, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring safe, dignified, and inclusive workplaces across Sindh.
The session was graced by *Mr. Rajveer Singh Sodha, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Sindh* for Human Rights, as the Chief Guest. His presence underscored the Government of Sindh’s commitment to promoting human dignity and strengthening institutional safeguards against workplace harassment. Addressing the participants, he observed that workplace harassment affects not only female employees but male staff as well. He shared examples of recent cases reported from across Sindh and emphasized that such matters should be resolved at the initial stage through timely intervention before escalating into more serious cases.
Speaking on the occasion, *Mr. Ahmed Luqman Memon, Acting Chairperson, Sindh Human Rights Commission*, welcomed Mr. Rajveer Singh Sodha and thanked him for joining the session. He stated that ensuring a harassment-free workplace is not only a statutory obligation but also a fundamental human rights imperative. He emphasized that every institution must strictly comply with the law and establish effective mechanisms to prevent, report, and address workplace harassment.
*Mr. Iqbal Hussain Maitlo, Judicial Member, SHRC*, stressed that a formal letter should be sent to the Chief Secretary recommending the establishment of harassment inquiry committees across all government departments.
The awareness session was conducted by *Barrister Ms. Rida Tahir, Member Business and Human Rights, SHRC* who delivered a comprehensive presentation on the legal framework, the rights of employees, the responsibilities of employers, and the complaint redressal mechanisms provided under the law.
She further observed that many government departments have yet to notify their inquiry committees and highlighted Articles 11, 17, 18, and 25 of the Constitution.
*Mr. Mervyn Francis Lobo, Member SHRC*, highlighted that workplace dignity, equality, and mutual respect are not new concerns but constitute a cross-cutting issue that must be continuously addressed through sustained institutional awareness and the effective implementation of workplace policies.
*Ms. Fareeda Tahir, Public Relations Officer, SHRC*, stated that harassment cases require a process that safeguards the dignity, safety, and rights of the victim while also ensuring that the accused is provided a fair opportunity to respond and defend themselves in accordance with the law. She further emphasized that the code of conduct should be prominently displayed in offices.
The session also emphasized the need to initiate a grassroots-level awareness campaign through town committees to promote awareness and prevention mechanisms at the community level.
SHRC reiterated its resolve to continue undertaking awareness and capacity-building initiatives aimed at promoting human rights, gender equality, and safe working environments in both public and private sector institutions throughout Sindh.
MPA Mohammad Asif Moosa, Mohammad Asif Khan, Nadir Shoukat Rajper District Chairman Khairpur, Advocate Mudassar Ali Rajper, Advocate Nida Asghar were also attended the meeting.
