Background

In Pakistan it has been difficult for women to fully contribute to their country's development because the environment to work, in general, is difficult and un-supportive. Women commonly face inappropriate behaviour and harassment on the streets, at the work place and in public places.

The government has been trying to increase the number of women employees for the last several years, but even the minimum quota of 5% remains unfilled. Outside the government some women are working in senior positions and are running businesses, but, in general, the trend of women working in government or private employment has not become popular. Regardless of the economic and social compulsions to earn an income, women have to face several hurdles to work outside their homes.

Some organizations have explored the reasons and found that women either face social constraints and, therefore, do not attempt to get into employment situations or they  are discouraged by the aggressive work environment. Those who do come out to work, have to fight for their rights and get little support to carry on. The attitude of their male colleagues and the management is usually not conducive and does not encourage women to exercise their right to work and contribute to the economic development of the society.

 The following are some examples, identified in various studies, of discrimination and harassment experienced by women:

At home :  giving less importance to the girl child, belittling her, trivializing the woman working at home, not allowing her to take decisions, inflicting violence, etc.

On the streets :  catcalling, touching, putting down, making fun, intimidating and singing to tease women.

In the buses : touching, pushing, humiliating, swearing and using vulgar language

In public places : staring, touching, intimidating, shoving, aggressively stopping the way, restricting entrance to places, chasing and inflicting violence.

At work place : leering, staring, making passes, discriminating, abusing authority for sexual favours, asking out, flirting, inflicting violence