An awareness and training session on workplace harassment was conducted at the FWO Head Office in Rawalpindi by the Federal Ombudsman Secretariat for Protection against Harassment (FOSPAH), aimed at promoting understanding of legal protections and encouraging a safer work environment.
The session was led by Ms. Mahrukh Aziz and Mr. Waqar Ahmed, who highlighted various forms of harassment, their impact, and how they manifest in professional settings. Participants were also informed that highways and motorways fall within the definition of “workplace,” expanding the scope of protection under the law.
During the session, detailed guidance was provided on the “Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010,” emphasizing the legal safeguards available to employees. The trainers also outlined the responsibilities of employers, including prevention strategies, policy implementation, effective complaint mechanisms, and strict compliance with the law.
Special focus was given to the role of inquiry committees, stressing the importance of their proper constitution and their responsibility in ensuring transparent and timely decision-making.
The session underscored that awareness is a key driver of social action, and that open institutional dialogue on harassment is essential for breaking silence and advancing justice in the workplace.
