- By: Zobia Irfan
Harassment is a word that describes “any kind of ongoing torment by other with someone else”, word Sexual means “relating to, or associated with sex or the sexes”. Harassment is any improper and unwelcome conduct to another person. Harassment may take the form of words, gestures or actions which tend to annoy, alarm, abuse, demean, intimidate, belittle, humiliate or embarrass another.
A large number of women and children in the Pakistan across all age groups and class continue to face violence and endure sexual, mental, and physical abuse. The rising number of such cases shows that society is still falling short of actively safeguarding women and children also. In Pakistan, 28% of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence, and 6% have experienced sexual violence. 34% of ever married women have experienced spousal physical, sexual, or emotional violence.
Five percent of women have experienced spousal sexual violence. Women face discrimination from childhood, especially in communities where there is a preference for the male. Harassment in the work place is becoming increasingly important in all sectors of the economy, largely due to growing numbers of negative consequences. Physical or sexual harassment also effect mental health and emotions of people. Sexual and physical harassment can lead to physical injuries or chronic health problems.
Survivors may struggle with fear, distrust of others, and feeling unsafe in their environment. Harassment can disrupt a survivor’s education or training, affecting their academic and professional goals. Its reporting process is confusing or complicated to candidate. Investigations are unfair or biased where the complaint may be ignored or mishandled, by this practice harm person can be undermine trust in the reporting system. If we talk about Pakistan so from my point of view there is no clear rules and constitutes on sexual harassment, no one take strict action in some cases.
To address these challenges, it is crucial to implement a range of targeted solutions that address both immediate and long-term needs of survivors. Implement community-wide education initiatives to challenge and change gender biases. Programs should target both children and adults, promoting gender equality and the value of all individuals regardless of gender. Develop and enforce comprehensive anti-harassment policies within organizations. These policies should include clear definitions of harassment, procedures for reporting, and consequences for violations. Provide survivors with immediate access to trauma-informed therapy and counseling, ensure these services are affordable and easily accessible and also Ensure victims have access to medical care for immediate and ongoing health needs.
Advocate for health insurance coverage for necessary treatments and therapies. Offer safe spaces and establish support systems that can help rebuild trust. Provide accommodations and support within educational institutions, such as counseling services, academic adjustments, and advocacy for a safe learning environment. To address this problem, the reporting process should be simple and user-friendly like that Create clear reporting channels, ensure confidentiality, offer support.
To ensure that investigations are fair and effective and use neutral investigators. To address this issue (no clear rules and constitutes to stop harassment), organizations and individual need to establish and communicate clear rules and guidelines regarding sexual harassment, government and organization should take strict action and also give long term punish in front of everyone or society against harassment so that next time will not be able to do this type of bad deed or practices.
Sexual harassment is a critical issue or serious problem that undermines the safety, respect, and well-being of individuals, affects many areas of life, including workplaces and educational settings and public spaces. Addressing sexual harassment effectively requires a comprehensive approach that includes clear policies, accessible reporting mechanisms, fair investigations, and ongoing education. As a co-operator we should educate everyone about it, make reporting easy, handle investigations fairly, keep policies updated, foster a respectful environment.