FOSPAH Conducts Third Training Session on Workplace Harassment at Bank of Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Mirpur, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, September 21, 2024 – The Federal Ombudsperson Secretariat for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH) successfully conducted a training and awareness session for the employees of the Bank of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The session, held at Mirpur University of Science and Technology (MUST), was led by Ms. Mahrukh Aziz, Legal Advisor, and Ms. Meher Jamy, Law Officer at FOSPAH. This training marked the third in a series of sessions FOSPAH has committed to for the Bank’s more than 600 employees.

The session provided a detailed overview of workplace harassment, focusing on its various forms and manifestations. Ms. Mahrukh and Ms. Jamy educated participants on what constitutes workplace harassment, highlighting that gender-based discrimination and sexual harassment are critical issues falling under the broader definition of harassment at work.

Emphasizing the importance of awareness, the trainers explained the legal framework that protects employees under the “Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2014.” They also discussed the role of FOSPAH in providing a safe and equitable work environment for all employees, regardless of gender.

"Workplace harassment is a serious issue that affects productivity, well-being, and the overall work environment. Our goal through these training sessions is to ensure that every employee is aware of their rights and responsibilities," said Ms. Mahrukh Aziz during the session.

The training also informed participants about the mechanisms available for reporting harassment, including how inquiry committees function within organizations.

This session is part of FOSPAH’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness and create safer workplaces across Pakistan. Similar training sessions have been conducted at Muzzafarabad and Islamabad, and upcoming sessions are scheduled for Bank AJK’s branches in Rawalakot and Kotli.

Through these efforts, FOSPAH reaffirms its commitment to promoting dignity, equality, and respect in the workplace, ensuring that all employees are equipped with the knowledge and tools to prevent and combat harassment in all its forms.