Speakers at an interactive seminar on the topic "The protections against harassment of women at workplace", organized by Ziauddin University on Wednesday, believed that confidence is the only weapon to eliminate women harassment in the society.
The objective of the seminar was to create an in-depth awareness in the society regarding harassment faced by the females in our society and making all effective measures to nip this evil of harassment in the bud from all the facades of our society.
Addressing the seminar, Professor Dr Khalida Ghaus Managing Director Social Policy and Develop Centre (SPDC) said that every woman has a story behind her, some have courage to tell it to the world, and some are not confident enough to share with their family even. Some 85 percent female witnesses harassment of different kind on routine basis at various public places throughout the city, most importantly during travelling via public transport, she added.
"It is known to all that we have full-fledge procedure of law with a view to file complain against cases pertaining to harassment but women usually feel frightened to report cases of such nature which certainly becomes a taboo in our society", she said.
Dr Ghaus further said that there is need to provide knowledge related to the actual mean of harassment. "We need to exaggerate the level of self-belief, optimism and confidence in woman to communicate with men pragmatically and boldly", she added.
"The burden of self-esteem, respect and dignity that a woman is carrying on her shoulder is the main reason that she fails to confess how she is being exploited. Collectively we need to work on this we should break stereotypes; we should give them strength to raise their voices," she said.
Famous model and actress Sarwat Gillani provoked women to speak louder. She said nobody is going to speak for us it's our responsibility to speak for ourselves.
Social activists Advocate Zia Ahmed Awan said that in our society discrimination starts even before the child is born. Large number of cases for harassment that I have received is mostly of maids, he mentioned.
While addressing to the audience he said, "You are not a good person if you are not helping others. Let's work together, let's think about voiceless people." Psychologist Dr Atia Naqvi motivated women by saying that "You (women) have to hold your heads high, you have to make yourself strong, trust your judgment don't hide your feelings if you are not comfortable with anyone say it louder, learn to treat yourself with respect, otherwise it would be difficult for you survive in this society".
Professor Dr Sirajuddaula Syed, Senior Pathologist, addressing the seminar said that we are living in a society where females are handicapped and can't speak for their rights. We as a society should teach them about their basic rights.
Earlier, Vice Chancellor Ziauddin University, Professor Dr Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui in his welcome address said that we have male dominating society and we need to understand and ensure maximum protection to women. It is surely believed that confidence is the only weapon to eliminate harassment.
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