ISLAMABAD: The Federal Ombudsperson Secretariat for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH) conducted an awareness session at the Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) Office, focusing on the need to break the silence surrounding workplace harassment through both legal action and cultural change.
During the session, Mr. Waqar A. Malik explained key elements of the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010. He stressed the importance of accountability, effective reporting mechanisms, and the responsibility of institutions to uphold equal workplace rights. He noted that discriminatory attitudes remain a major barrier to justice and must be confronted alongside legal processes.
Ms. Hira Tariq highlighted the emotional and social dimensions of harassment, explaining how stigma and shame often prevent survivors from speaking out. She emphasized the need for supportive environments that encourage reporting without fear.
The session reinforced that addressing harassment requires more than legal enforcement. It calls for collective responsibility, cultural awareness, and the creation of safe, respectful spaces where victims feel empowered to seek justice.
FOSPAH reaffirmed its commitment to advancing both legal protections and societal understanding to eliminate harassment and strengthen workplace dignity.
