In our country, women are often oppressed and are deprived of justice against the harassment happens against them in workplaces. Although the number of women workers in the formal and informal sectors has increased, a women-friendly working environment, in general, has not yet been ensured.
Recently, Gender Platform Bangladesh has made 6-point demands including the enactment of ‘Prevention of Sexual Harassment at the Workplace Act’ to ensure a harassment-free working environment. It needs no emphasising that women's participation in the workplace has increased. Women are moving forward along with men. Women are now working in all places including government and private jobs and educational institutions. At the same time, they are also facing various problems. In some cases, they are still being the victim of discrimination. Women are being sexually harassed physically, mentally and verbally. The level of sexual harassment against women is increasing day by day and has taken a horrible form.
Widespread campaigns should be
launched for making female
workers aware of their rights
Sustainability is a significant issue when it comes to projects like these. Without consistency of the implemented law practices, significant impacts are never there. Passing down a law for the protection of victims will never be enough if our system does not implement it appropriately.
The labour law should be revised and modernised in line with it by adding labourers working in both the formal and informal areas. Gender quality and the harassment which comes with it should be definitely included in the law.
Read more: SC forms 5-member committee to prevent sexual harassment
The government and regulatory bodies should also ensure that the rules and punishment related to sexual violence and harassment are applied in all the factories. For that to happen extensive monitoring in these establishments are a must. Training sessions can also be carried out in factories, garments to enhance the issue of gender sensitivity. Furthermore, widespread publicity campaigns should be launched for making female workers aware of their rights.
