NA adopts resolution stating workplace harassment not only sexual in nature, may manifest in gender discrimination

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Friday approved a resolution reaffirming that workplace harassment was not limited to conduct of a sexual nature but may also include intimidation, humiliation and gender-based discrimination. The resolution was presented by MNA Dr Shahida Rehmani, who is also the secretary of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (WPC). The resolution reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to protecting the dignity, equality and rights of every individual against all forms of workplace harassment and gender-based discrimination, in accordance with Articles 14 (inviolability of dignity of man, etc. ) and 25 (equality of citizens) of the Constitution.

It underscored that workplace harassment was not limited to conduct of a sexual nature, but “may also manifest through gender-based discrimination, intimidation, humiliation, degrading treatment, hostile behaviour and misuse of authority, whether sexual or non-sexual in nature”. The resolution reaffirmed the legislative intent and protections enshrined in the Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010, as amended in 2022, which expressly recognises discrimination based on gender, both sexual and non-sexual, to fall within the statutory framework of harassment. It further emphasised that the absence of a sexual advance or demand does not diminish the seriousness of gender-based harassment or discrimination. The resolution said that the dignity of individuals “cannot be subjected to narrow distinctions between different forms of harassment” and all conduct falling within the scope of the law “must be addressed with equal seriousness, fairness and accountability”. Through the resolution, the NA was called on to urge the federal government and all concerned institutions to ensure the effective…