WORKPLACE harassment is often narrowly defined as sexual misconduct. A resolution passed by the National Assembly on Friday puts such notions to rest.

Reaffirming parliament`s commitment towards safeguarding an individual`s dignity and rights, it asserts that harassment extends beyond sexual advances. The inclusion of intimidation, misuse of authority, and gender-based humiliation completes the definition. The Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010 supports the view: `Any unwelcome sexual advance, request ... sexually demeaning attitudes, causing interference with work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, or the attempt to punish the complainant. ...` Power derived from gender or position drives all forms of harassment. Yet, Pakistan`s failure to enforce legal deterrents continues to create more silent victims.

Those who exploit have for too long escaped penalties due to procedural loopholes. The Women`s Parliamentary Caucus would do well to address the necessity of accountability processes within organisations. Laws will remain mere formalities until the state devises monitoring mechanisms to ensure both managements and the criminal justice system do not falter in delivering justice. Human rights defenders have not only raised concern about the shoddy application of the harassment law but also highlighted how lacl< of proper penalisation has economic consequences. It jeopardises productivity as hostile workplaces force women out of the workforce.First,all stakeholders must treat an employee and a workplace in a wider sense to include informal areas and workers sportspersons, artists, domestic workers, students, and others. Second, employers should face tougher action hefty fines, suspension and even removal from office. Additionally, training, awareness and surveillance are as significant as transparent and accessible complaint systems.

Lastly, the meaning of workplace harassment does not change if it occurs outside the confines of a work setting.