Bill signed into law for women protection against harassment in Pakistan

Pakistan made women protection bill into law with Zardari on Friday signed the 'Protection against Harassment of Women at Workplace Bill 2009' which the parliament adopted on January 21.

The bill now a law, will provide increased punishment over harassment of women at workplaces.

The Protection against Harassment of Women at Workplace Bill 2009" Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2009 amends both the Pakistan Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure, "increasing the punishment for the crime up to three years in prison and a fine of up to Rs 500,000.

The objective of the bill is to create a safe working environment for women, free of harassment, abuse and intimidation.

The bill was part of a comprehensive bill originally moved by former information minister Sherry Rehman when she held the additional portfolio of Women’s Development.

The House had passed the punishment section of the bill in November 2009, which was also adopted recently by the Senate

According to the bill whosever makes any sound or gesture, utters any word, exhibits any object or demands sexual favour from woman at workplace would face the punishment.

It also proposes penalties including reduction to lower post, compulsory retirement, and removal from service and dismissal from service.

- Asian Tribune -