Protection of women rights through legal reforms in Pakistan

Abstract

This paper presents the status of women rights in Pakistan and protection of these rights under the umbrella of legal reforms. After independence the women of Pakistan played an active role in nation building activities as well for their own social uplift. International organizations played special attention towards the issue of women empowerment During Ayub Era Muslim Family Law Ordinance 1961 was promulgated which is regarded as a first step forward for the protection of women rights. During Zia regime discriminatory laws were introduced which disturbed the equilibrium between male and female in the society. These laws put a negative impact on the status of women. Women organizations protested against Hudood Laws and demanded to repeal it. During the period of Musharraf new laws were introduced for the protection of women rights(women Protection Act 2006),it is regarded as golden era in context of legislation made for women empowerment .The process of legal reforms is in progression .The women are still subjugated to many criminal acts like harassment at work place ,attempted rape and acid throwing. There is a need of devising effective implementation mechanism in true letter and spirit for the safeguard of women rights.

Combating the Harassment of Women at Workplace: An Analysis of Legislation in Pakistan

“…Literature Review Saeed and Hussain (2010) (Noreen & Mussarat, 2013). The 12th National Assembly, during its tenure from 2002 to 2007, had paved the way for pro-women law.…”

Three types of sexual harassment of females in public places in Pakistan

“…[39] Many Pakistanis believe that women deserve to be harassed if they break the stereotype of staying within the premises of their homes and join the male dominated public domain. [40] Pakistani women face a variety of different forms of sexual harassment while moving about in public places, especially when not accompanied by a man. [16,41] The perception of not being safe in public places has been shown to be based on fear of being sexually victimised or raped.…”

“…[46] In 2010, an amendment was made in section 509 of the Pakistan Penal Code of 1860, to declare sexual harassment a crime. [40] Still women in Pakistan are unacquainted with the procedure of workplace sexual harassment redress. [20] This is also reflected by the fact that sexual harassment has been the least reported crime in the province of Punjab.…”

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“…The Table showed that majority of the respondents were in the age group 36-45 years which is a group of mature and well experienced people. The second major age group [25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35] indicates that a majority of the respondents are educated youth serving as representative in the local government. Similarly, among the total 320 (100%); 234 (73.1%) a significant majority is married.…”