Dr Bilawal Kamran
“Sexual harassment is not about sex. It is about power.” This profound statement by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, in a recent Supreme Court judgment, strikes at the heart of one of the most pressing issues facing women today—sexual harassment in the workplace. The message is clear: harassment is not just an individual problem, but a deeply ingrained societal issue that is tied to power dynamics, gender inequality, and the pervasive suppression of women’s voices. This critical judgment upholds the Lahore High Court’s decision to dismiss a case of workplace sexual harassment, signaling Pakistan’s ongoing commitment to creating safer and more respectful environments for working women. However, while the ruling is significant, it sheds light on the broader, more complex struggle women face every day in the workplace and beyond.
The impact of this judgment reverberates beyond the specific case, emphasizing that workplace harassment is not an isolated problem but a reflection of entrenched gender inequality. When harassment goes unchecked, it not only infringes on women’s dignity but also restricts their ability to thrive professionally and economically. In Pakistan, as in many other parts of the world, women continue to fight against systemic barriers that hinder their progress. Whether it’s the reluctance of society to listen to women’s voices or the continuous harassment they face in their daily lives, these obstacles undermine the very essence of gender justice—equal access to opportunities, a life free from fear, and the dismantling of harmful, outdated structures.
However, despite these advancements, the reality for women in Pakistan remains grim. The country’s dismal rank of 145 out of 146 countries in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2024 speaks volumes. Only Sudan ranks lower. This bleak figure starkly exposes the gap between political rhetoric about women’s empowerment and the lived reality of millions of women. Women in Pakistan face a multi-dimensional challenge, ranging from unequal pay and limited access to opportunities to harassment and systemic prejudice. It is not enough to point fingers at cultural norms and traditions; institutional structures must also share the blame for maintaining and exacerbating these inequalities.
One of the most glaring examples of this disparity is seen in Pakistan’s political arena. The February 2024 general elections saw women candidates occupying a mere 4.77 percent of general seats, just barely surpassing the minimum 5 percent threshold set by the Elections Act 2017. Political parties that fail to create opportunities for women within their ranks are contributing to an ongoing cycle of gender imbalance. If the political sphere—where decisions about the nation’s future are made—fails to embrace gender equality, how can we expect the private and public sectors to do so? This reluctance to empower women in politics is a direct reflection of the broader issue of female underrepresentation in leadership roles across all sectors. The lack of women in key positions results in policies and practices that continue to ignore the specific needs and challenges women face.
Even when women enter the workforce, their journey is fraught with discrimination, harassment, and pay disparities. Female journalists, for example, are often subjected to online harassment, where the aim is not only to silence them but to reinforce the patriarchal view that women’s voices are inferior to men’s. Meanwhile, female leaders like Maryam Nawaz, Pakistan’s first female chief minister, endure sexist attacks that focus more on their appearance than their political ideas. This deep-seated gender bias is not only disrespectful but also undermines the credibility and authority of women in leadership positions.
The media, too, has a crucial role to play in perpetuating or challenging harmful gender norms. Pakistani television dramas are notorious for portraying working women in negative, one-dimensional roles, often reinforcing stereotypes about their inability to balance personal and professional lives. These depictions shape societal perceptions of women, discouraging them from pursuing careers and leadership roles. The judiciary, despite its fundamental role in ensuring justice, also falls short when it comes to female representation. Women are still vastly underrepresented in the judiciary, which speaks to the broader gender imbalance in every corner of power.
This systemic discrimination does not just affect women’s professional lives; it stifles the potential of an entire population. The lack of opportunities, persistent harassment, and exclusion from leadership roles hold back not only women but Pakistan as a whole. By ignoring women’s contributions, society denies itself the benefits of half of its workforce, hindering national growth, development, and progress.
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While the Supreme Court’s judgment is a step in the right direction, it is only a small part of the solution. A truly equal society cannot be built on individual cases alone; what is required is a holistic, multi-pronged approach that addresses the root causes of gender inequality and harassment. At the political level, there is a need for a concerted effort to ensure that women are not just token representatives, but active decision-makers shaping policies that directly impact their lives. Political parties must go beyond surface-level gestures and work to create environments where women can genuinely contribute, participate, and lead.
In the workplace, businesses and institutions must implement and enforce strict anti-harassment policies. It is not enough for companies to have policies in place; they must create environments where women feel safe to report harassment without fear of retaliation or social ostracism. There needs to be a shift towards more inclusive workplace cultures that foster gender equity. This includes offering equal pay for equal work, providing support for career development, and ensuring that women can ascend to leadership roles without facing discrimination or harassment.
Moreover, media portrayals of women must evolve. The media has the power to shape public perceptions, and it is essential that it portrays women in a more empowering light. Women should be shown as multi-dimensional, capable, and strong, not just in domestic roles but also as leaders, innovators, and change-makers. Shifting the media narrative can help challenge entrenched stereotypes and create a more supportive environment for women to pursue their dreams.
The most crucial element in addressing gender-based discrimination is cultural change. Patriarchal norms, which have for centuries determined women’s roles in society, must be challenged and dismantled. Respecting women’s autonomy, empowering them to make decisions about their bodies, careers, and lives, and recognizing their value as equals is essential for progress. Empowering women is not just a moral imperative—it is a key driver for national development. When women are given equal opportunities and treated with dignity, societies prosper.
To create a truly equal society, Pakistan must engage in a cultural transformation that not only empowers women but also recognizes that such empowerment benefits everyone. By ensuring women have equal access to opportunities, protection from harassment, and a fair playing field in all areas of life, Pakistan can unlock the full potential of its people. The country must focus on structural reforms, policy changes, and cultural shifts that promote gender equality, ensuring that women are no longer sidelined but are at the forefront of the nation’s future.
In conclusion, sexual harassment is not just a matter of individual misconduct; it is a symptom of a broader system of gender inequality. The Supreme Court’s ruling is a significant step toward protecting women’s rights and safety in the workplace, but it is just the beginning. To truly create a fair and equal society, Pakistan must commit to dismantling the structures that perpetuate gender discrimination and work towards empowering women in every aspect of life. This is the only path toward building a stronger, more prosperous Pakistan.
