Harassed at work? You have two doors.

Sound familiar?

If it is sexual and unwelcome, the law has a name for it.

• Stay late tonight, just us. Your promotion depends on it.
• Relax, it was only a joke.
• Is this actually harassment?

Example chat

The law defines it.

Punjab Act text. Women or men can complain (s.2(e)).

“any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favors or other verbal or written communication or physical conduct of a sexual nature or sexually demeaning attitudes, causing interference with work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, or the attempt to punish the complainant for refusal to comply to such a request or is made a condition for employment;”

Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010 · Section 2(h), "Harassment"

Two doors. You choose.

Any employee can complain to either one (s.8(1)).

• Inquiry CommitteeInside your office. Three members, at least one a woman (s.3(2)).
• OmbudspersonOutside your office. Show cause notice to the accused within 3 days (s.8(2)).
• Interns count too"Employee" includes an intern or apprentice (s.2(f)).

The clock is in the law.

If you go to the Inquiry Committee (s.4).

• 3 days: Charges sent to the accusedAfter your written complaint (s.4(1)(a)).
• 7 days: Accused must reply in writingOr the committee proceeds ex parte (s.4(1)(b)).
• 30 days: Findings with reasonsThen the penalty is imposed within 1 week (s.4(4)-(5)).

What the harasser faces.

One or more penalties under s.4(4).

• MinorCensure, promotion or increment withheld, compensation recovered from his pay.
• MajorDemotion, compulsory retirement, removal or dismissal from service.
• FinePart can go to you as compensation. If the owner is guilty, the fine is paid to you.

Myth or fact?

The fear that stops most women.

• Myth: If I complain, I will lose my job.
• Fact: Adverse action shall not be taken against the complainant or the witnesses (s.4(3)(d)).

Before you complain.

A clear record wins.

• Write it down the same dayWhat was said, when, and who saw it.
• Keep every messageScreenshots with dates and numbers.
• Look for the Code on the wallYour employer must display it (s.11(2)). No committee? The employer can be fined Rs 25,000 to 100,000 (s.11(3)).
• Unhappy with the decision?Appeal to the Ombudsperson within 30 days (s.6(2)).

Ask privately. Free.

Ask FAI in your own words. It answers with the exact section and the judgments behind it.

• My manager keeps messaging me late at night. Is this harassment at the workplace?
• Our office has no inquiry committee. Where do I complain?

Example questions

What this does not mean

• The text shown is from the Punjab Act. The carousel does not set out the law of other provinces.
• Not every rude remark is harassment under s.2(h). It covers unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature or sexually demeaning attitudes that interfere with work or create a hostile environment.
• The law is not for women only. Women or men can complain (s.2(e)).

Questions people ask

Sources

• Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010 · Section 2(h)
  "Harassment" Pakistan Code