Zardari signs women’s protection bill into law
By IANSFriday, January 29, 2010
KARACHI - Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari Friday signed into law a women’s protection bill that provides for three years imprisonment or a fine of Rs.500,000 or both for sexual harassment at the workplace.
The president signed the Protection against Harassment of Women at Workplace Bill at a ceremony held here attended by women parliamentarians and members of the Sindh assembly belonging to the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party.
Under the law, if a working woman complains about sexual harassment to her supervisor, a three-member committee would be formed to conduct an inquiry. The committee would then present its report to the concerned authorities for further action.
The use of intemperate language against women or teasing them would also be tantamount to violation of the law, Online news agency reported.
A woman can also lodge a complaint against anyone she feels threatened by.
The bill was unanimously passed by the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, Jan 21, a day after the Senate passed the measure.
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July 27, 2010: 2:08 am
A whistle might not seem like a very high tech piece of self defense equipment, but they are cheap, easy to carry, and easy to use. |
 Mehboob Elahi |
February 13, 2010: 8:55 am
President Asif Ali Zardari signed the Protection against Harassment of Women Bill into law a few days ago after its passage from the Parliament. The new law would enable the women employed in public sector to work much more confidently. It was at the behest of this democratic government that the legislative measure was presented in parliament for enactment and it got approved. The President, of Pakistan deserves huge credit for this historic step. Govt is constantly working to eliminate the intimidation that women face in public places. This is essential to facilitating women’s mobility outside their homes to enable them to obtain education, healthcare and employment. The successful passage of the bill has another far-reaching implication. It clearly indicates Govt commitment towards the right of women. It is clear challenge to retrogressive elements in our midst that are using religion and violence to sustain the myth of their power and stranglehold on public opinion.The landmark achievement on the part of the President is a simple proof that government is working the vision of Benazir Bhutto, taking all steps to ensure that women of this country are not only emancipated from exploitation of all forms but are also empowered in real sense. Emancipation of women and giving them rightful place in the society forms part of PPP manifesto. Apart from this bill PPP Govt had already launched BISP program which is demonstration of commitment of Govt with the dreams of Benazir Bhutto shaheed. The direct financial support direct financial support provided through this program was enabling the women to support themselves and their families. |
imah