Every year, Working Women’s Day is celebrated in Pakistan on December 22nd, with the aim of recognizing and safeguarding the rights of women working in both formal and informal sectors. In 2011, then Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani officially announced December 22nd as the “National Working Women’s Day,” and since then, it has been celebrated annually with various events organized by government and non-governmental organizations, as well as civil society, aimed at promoting awareness and addressing issues such as harassment faced by women in the workplace.
On this important day, a forum called “Express Forum” was organized to facilitate discussion among representatives from the government, academia, and civil society to share their views on the status of working women and the challenges they face, as well as discuss the need for further action to protect their rights.
In particular, the issue of harassment was highlighted, and measures such as the establishment of working women’s hostels were mentioned as part of the efforts to address the challenges faced by women. In Punjab, there are currently 16 working women’s hostels, with 700 women residing in them. Additionally, 411 day-care centers have been established in the province, providing facilities for over 17,000 children.
Despite the progress made in legislation and initiatives, there is still a need for continued focus on social change and addressing the cultural barriers that hinder the progress of women in the workforce. It is essential to provide women with a safe and supportive environment and to recognize their contributions to the development and progress of the country.
The efforts of women’s rights activists have contributed to improvements in the situation of working women in Pakistan. The establishment of laws, policies, and mechanisms for addressing harassment in the workplace is a positive step, but there is still a need to address societal attitudes and provide opportunities for women to participate in various fields and contribute to the country’s development. With continued support and recognition, Pakistani women can play a crucial role in the nation’s progress.
It is important for all individuals, including men and children, to be aware of and respect the rights of women. Social organizations and government bodies should actively participate in events and activities to raise awareness of the challenges faced by working women and to ensure their safety and dignity in the workplace. By working together, Pakistan can create an environment where women can thrive and contribute to the nation’s growth.