Ms. Viqar highlighted the positive role that FOSPAH has played in creating a harassment free environment for women at the workplace. She stressed that Engineering in Pakistan is perceived as a male dominated field and woman are seldom able to make their place. Therefore, for the development of the nation, it is essential that equal employment opportunities be provided to women with a special focus on their retention in employment.

Ms. Meher Jamy, Law Officer FOSPAH provided a detailed presentation on the scope of harassment at the workplace and the available mechanisms for employees to file complaints of harassment. She emphasized that speedy and inexpensive justice is provided to victims of harassment by FOSPAH, thereby differentiating the Forum from the ordinary courts of Pakistan which are plagued by delays and exorbitant fees.

Mr. Tarique informed that SLB has the unique position of being perhaps the only organization in the country which has employed 50% women as engineers. He committed that moving forward SLB will fully implement the Harassment Act of 2010 in letter and spirit to ensure a conducive working environment for all employees.

The audience also took active part in the discussions and raised many pertinent questions regarding the importance of the victim’s perspective, the role of language in perpetuating harassment and discrimination and the responsibility of employers in controlling instances of harassment caused by spouses of employees at the workplace.