The Chairperson of Mass Communication Department, Dr.Asmat Ara, spoke about the increase in male harassment, pointing out that while women now know to give the shut up call and know their rights, there is an imbalance in the ratio of cases being highlighted.
Harassment is not limited to any specific gender, and both men and women can be victims of various forms of harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying, cyberbullying, and other types of unwelcome and persistent behaviour. It's important to recognize that harassment is a serious issue that can have a significant impact on the well-being and mental health of those who experience it, regardless of their gender.
Men can also experience harassment. And while we can say men are harassed in many ways where their voices are properly heard but still the ratio of women’s cases of being reported is higher.
Mehak Obaid Khan, a psychiatrist shared her views the reason is that in the past when women were molested, it brought about a change in the mindset. For example, in the context of abuse taking place within families, women now support their children more the children will not feel the way they did when they suffered. But Khan also argues that now the point of view of the change has turned into “me and myself” where both the genders have increased the pitch of voice so that they could be superior no matter if they are right or wrong but they cannot accept each other’s audacity.
Yet the psychiatrist also said that whenever in Pakistan if a male feels humiliated, he doesn’t talk about it because of societal pressure or humiliation.
To talk about the harassment is not wrong but to use it as a means of scoring or settling a personal issue ought to be forbidden. In the end we all are human so we can’t be biased over gender. If a woman has right so does a man, if she has to be heard so does a man. If she deserve respect so does a man. If a female’s emotions matter so does a man’s too.
“If previously, the society was male oriented now it is turned into female oriented. It is not equality but it is the misuse of orientation and rights. It has to be balance which is usually in Pakistan. Both the genders should know the consequences of the harassment,” added Khan.
While talking about how could we stop it she added that it usually begins from our homes as we ask a man to take responsibility from very young age if he has more sisters or if he is the elder child.
If we talk about rape cases, they are common in rural Pakistan and the consequential mental torture in unbearable for any gender. Psychological disorder is the consequence which leads to drugs addiction.
An article, written by Hassan Niazi in 2019, explores the legal complexities of sexual harassment in Pakistan, particularly focusing on the Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010, and Section 509 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
The article highlights how these laws address sexual harassment, with the 2010 Act focusing on civil liability within workplaces and Section 509 addressing criminal liability for sexual harassment occurring anywhere.
The author points out that institutional patriarchy and biases within the legal and law enforcement system can make it difficult for victims to seek justice, leading some to prefer the 2010 Act's Ombudsperson or social media for recourse. He also touches on the challenges women face in lower courts and police stations when trying to report and pursue cases of sexual harassment. It suggests that structural patriarchy in these institutions hinders the access to justice for victims. The article concludes by indicating that the next article in the series will delve into how the substantive criminal law can be unfavorable to victims of sexual harassment.
While talking to a lawyer, Shahid from Lahore High Court said that in Pakistan, laws related to harassment, particularly the "Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010," are not gender-specific.
Despite its title, this law applies to individuals of all genders, ensuring protection from harassment in the workplace. The law defines harassment broadly, encompassing various forms of conduct, including sexual harassment, and establishes procedures for addressing complaints. Employers are required to establish mechanisms like inquiry committees to investigate and resolve complaints.
Additionally, the Pakistan Penal Code's Section 509 covers acts of sexual harassment, both within and outside the workplace, making such behaviour a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment and fines.
While the effectiveness of implementation and enforcement may vary, these laws are in place to safeguard the rights of all individuals. It is crucial for both employees and organizations to be aware of these laws and work towards maintaining a harassment-free workplace for everyone.
“While talking about the reason behind the changing scenario, “The female are given priorities which have led to the men humiliation. Allah has asked us to keep women equal which mean to not provide more opportunities than a man. But this women empowerment has led to change the natural scenario where men are superior or equal to women,” said Dr.Naseem Ahmed- Director Institute for Education and Health Grooming.