PERCEPTION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT AT WORKPLACE, KNOWLEDGE OF WORKING WOMEN TOWARDS WORKPLACE HARASSMENT ACT 2010

ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of sexual harassment among the working females of Peshawar,
their response against the harassment and their awareness about the Workplace Harassment Act 2010.
In a cross sectional survey, a sample of 153 working women from six different professions (Doctors, Nurses, Teachers,
Students, Bankers and Police) in Peshawar was selected following convenient sampling technique and were investigated
through structured questionnaire. The results revealed that harassment is routinely practiced at workplace in
Peshawar. Generally sexual harassment was identified as a major problem faced by the students. Overall, unwelcome
appreciation of their figure and dress received the highest response. Most of the respondents claimed to have faced
gender harassment more commonly as compared to sexual coercion. Regarding reaction to harassment, most of the
females gave no response; few resisted and ran from the site while very few shouted for help. Half of the respondents
were aware of Work Place Harassment Act 2010 and 16.34% said that act was displayed in their workplace.
Negative responses found in filing a case against sexual harassment at workplace showed that there is a culture of
acceptance regarding such harassment, combined with a lack of awareness of how to effectively deal with. The results
show a possibility of significant under-reporting of sexual harassment. The research suggests strict penalties to curb
the growing number of cases of gender harassment.
Keywords: Sexual harassment Experiences, Workplace, Harassment Policy of Pakistan, Awareness of the law