Laws related to Women Protection and Empowerment are evolving positively in Pakistan. Legislative bodies in Pakistan have set different laws and constituted different functionary bodies for women’s protection and empowerment, ushering in a hopeful future for women’s rights in the country. Here is a bird’s-eye view of some highlighted legislation in this regard.
Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010
Complaints department:
Above all, the Act requires organizations (Workplaces) to provide a proper platform for women to lodge harassment complaints.
Formation of Inquiry Committees:
Organizations must form committees to investigate and address complaints discreetly and seriously.
Harassment-Free Work Environment:
The law ensures women can work without fear of harassment and holds organizations accountable. Resultantly, this ensures women protection and empowerment at workplace.
Penalties for Non-Compliance:
Additionally, Non-adherence to the law results in penalties for organizations.
Legal Recourse:
However, women can seek justice through courts if their complaints are not resolved within their workplace by complaint addressing committees.
Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2013
Women Protection and Empowerment from Various Forms of Abuse
In fact, this Act protects women from physical, emotional/psychological, and economic abuse occurring within the four corners of a home. It covers all forms of domestic violence and ensures the safety and well-being of women.
Women Protection Orders Through the Court
Women can seek court-issued protection orders and restraining orders, preventing their abusers from contacting or communicating with them. This measure offers immediate relief and protection from further harassment.
Shelter Homes and Crisis Centers
Additionally, this Act establishes shelter homes and crisis centers that provide short-term accommodation, medical care, and counseling for women and girls in need. These facilities offer immediate support to victims.
Local Protection Committees
Moreover, these committees are responsible for ensuring that the victims have access to necessary resources and services, including medical assistance and legal and social support, to recover from their traumatic experiences.
Legal Accountability for Abusers
Consequentially, this Act also holds abusers accountable, ensuring they are arrested and prosecuted. This legal framework empowers women to seek justice, helping them escape abusive situations while ensuring their safety and rights.
Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Ordinance, 2020
Special Courts for Speedy Justice for women protection and empowerment
Although this Ordinance establishes special courts that must deliver trial verdicts within four months, ensuring rape cases are resolved swiftly and avoiding lengthy trial delays.
Forensic Evidence and Modern Investigation
In addition, the law mandates the use of forensic evidence and modern investigative methods to build stronger cases, enhancing the reliability and effectiveness of investigations.
Protection of Victims’ Identities
Likewise, the Ordinance also strictly prohibits the revelation of victims’ identities, ensuring their privacy and safety during trial proceedings.
Anti-Rape Crisis Cells
While this enactment provides Anti-Rape Crisis Cells, immediate medical, legal, and counseling support to rape victims. In conclusion, these on-site services help victims seek justice while receiving necessary care and guidance.
Comprehensive Support for Victims
By offering extensive support services, the Ordinance ensures that rape survivors can pursue justice with the assurance of comprehensive protection and care throughout the legal process, instilling confidence in the legal system’s commitment to women protection and empowerment.
Prevention of Anti-Women Practices (Criminal Law Amendment) Act, 2011
Combatting Culture-Based Practices
Undoubtedly, the Act combats harmful cultural practices like forced marriages and denying women their right to inherit property. More importantly it provides legal recourse for women subjected to these discriminatory traditions.
Criminalization of Swara and Wani
The law categorizes cultural practices like Swara or Wani, where minor girls are forced into marriage, as criminal acts. This step ensures legal protection for girls from such abuses.
Support for Gender Equality
The Act promotes gender equality by granting women the right to inheritance and the freedom to make life choices. It empowers women to challenge cultural norms that undermine their rights.
Legal Recourse for Victims
Women subjected to such practices can seek help from law courts, reporting these violations to authorities for appropriate legal action and protection.
Sindh Women Agriculture Workers Act, 2019
Empowerment in Agriculture
The Act empowers women in Sindh’s agricultural sector by ensuring decent wages and proper working conditions. It provides social security benefits to women laborers, enhancing their overall well-being.
Legal Acknowledgment and Benefits
Under this Act, women receive legal acknowledgment of their employment and are granted access to health services, special leave for expectant mothers, and vocational training opportunities.
Formation of Women’s Groups
The Act encourages the creation of women’s groups to advocate for better working conditions and collectively bargain on behalf of women in agriculture, promoting their rights and interests.
Economic and Social Empowerment
By improving working conditions and offering essential benefits, the Act aims to boost women’s economic positions and support their fight for rights in the workplace and society, fostering greater independence and empowerment.
The Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929
Ban on Child Marriage
Whereas, the Act prohibits marriages where either party is under 18 years old, establishing a legal minimum age of marriage to protect young individuals from early marriages.
Legal Sanctions and Penalties
It enforces legal penalties for child marriages and related offenses, providing a framework to penalize and deter such practices.
Protection of Health, Education, and Economic Productivity
The Act safeguards girls’ health, education, and economic opportunities by preventing early marriages and promoting their well-being and future potential.
Empowerment and Legal Recourse
The Act empowers young girls by allowing them to pursue their own life choices rather than being forced into marriage. Victims of child marriage can report these cases to authorities, leading to legal action against perpetrators and ensuring the protection of their rights and futures.
National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW)
Independent Oversight and Advocacy
Whereas, The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) is an independent body that plays a crucial role in negotiating and safeguarding women’s rights in Pakistan. Secondly, it reviews laws, policies, and practices related to women’s issues and provides recommendations to the government, offering vital support and encouragement to the cause of women’s rights.
Monitoring and Recommendations
Especially, the NCSW oversees the implementation of pro-women legislation, ensures its effective execution, and suggests improvements based on its assessments.
Data Collection and Advocacy
Not only but also the Commission gathers data on gender-related issues and advocates for women’s rights. It works particularly, to highlight and address discrimination and rights violations.
Protection and Legal Assistance
Indeed women benefit from the NCSW’s protection and legal assistance in cases of discrimination and rights violations. Additionally, the Commission collaborates with other organizations to promote, protect, and empower women, especially in legal matters. Moreover, it provides legal advice, representation, and support to women facing legal challenges related to discrimination or rights violations. Subsequently, The NCSW also ensures that women have access to justice and are treated fairly in the legal system.
Note:
M/s Legally-Ethically-Expertly (LEX), a leading law firm with experienced lawyers, provides this article’s information for public awareness through our website, lex.com.pk. We strive to offer valuable insights to the general public, but this content shall not be considered as legal advice. Additionally, please note that the information provided here may be outdated as laws are amended regularly or may contain human error; therefore, we recommend not relying solely on this content. For personalized guidance or the most up-to-date information, we encourage our valued readers to contact our expert family lawyers in Pakistan by calling or WhatsApp at +92-310-8888539 or emailing info@lex.com.pk. We are here to assist with tailored solutions.