By Israruddin Israr
It has been observed that within NGOs and government institutions in Gilgit-Baltistan, the male staff, particularly those in support roles such as drivers, gardeners, watchmen, cooks, messengers, etc. do not care about basic things that insult women.
These actions tend to hurt the self-esteem of women and evoke feelings of sadness. In recent months, there have been complaints highlighting instances of mistreatment, sexual harassment, and inappropriate conduct with women primarily involving male drivers.
It is high time the government of Gilgit-Baltistan and the Women’s Development Directorate oblige both NGOs and government institutions to formulate and rigorously implement gender related policies. Additionally, the institutions need to be mandated to provide comprehensive training to all their staff in this regard.
The lack of training of staff regarding gender sensitivities is manifested in the unprofessional and disrespectful behavior demonstrated by the staff. Moreover, a workplace harassment law was passed by G-B Legislative Assembly in 2013 which still awaits implementation.
Secondly, the code of conduct suggested within this law must be displayed at a central point within office premises. Creating a positive and respectful workplace for women is essential for a nation’s progress.
A workplace harassment law passed by G-B Legislative Assembly in 2013 still awaits its implementation.
Israruddin Israr
Highly educated and skilled women play a significant role in the advancement of their families and nations via their participation in various fields of life. Prominent sectors include education, healthcare, information technology, agriculture, and more.
The Chief Secretary of Gilgit-Baltistan ought to mandate the enforcement of this law across all NGOs and governmental institutions. The first and foremost step involves the establishing anti-harassment committees within departments with women employees.
It is the responsibility of the government to facilitate women so that they could pursue their professional endeavors within a secure and harmonious atmosphere. In this context, the Deputy Speaker of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly. In this context, Deputy Speaker Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly Ms. Sadia Danish, who has played a role in making the law against harassment of women at the workplace in 2013, can also play her role in its implementation.
Apart from this, Minister Social Welfare Dilshad Bano, Provincial Minister Suriya Zaman, Members of Assembly Rani Sanam Faryad and Kulsoom Farman can also play an important role in implementing this law.
The writer is a Gilgit-based human rights activist and columnist. Currently, he is associated with HRCP as regional coordinator Gilgit-Baltitsan. He can be reached at israrhrcpglt@gmail.com
