Capacity Building Workshop: Strengthening Women Voices Through Awareness of Their Rights and Social Accountability Tools to Participate in Decision-Making
Venue: District Mirpurkhas, Sindh
Date: October 22, 2024

Transparency International Pakistan organized one day capacity building workshop in collaboration with ARTS Foundation on October 23, 2024. The primary aim of the workshop was to raise awareness about women specific laws and social accountability tools to enable women participation in decision-making processes. Around 46 women including representatives from Women Protection Cell Mirpurkhas, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Complaints, women from legal profession, group of women Champions for Change, community members, female councilors of local government and civil society members attended the training.

The training workshop began with the recitation from the Holy Quran. Afterwards, Mr. Shahzado Malik, Executive Director, ARTS Foundation welcomed the participants while Ms. Nasreen Memon, Gender Specialist, TI Pakistan, provided detailed overview of Sindh Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2013. She explained that Section 5 of the Act defines Domestic Violence as any act of physical, psychological, sexual, emotional, verbal, or economic abuse. Under Section 6 of the Act, individuals who commit crimes against women, children, or vulnerable groups shall be subjected to imprisonment ranging from six months to two years, in addition to fines. She further highlighted that the Act also ensures a speedy Access to Justice in such cases, as the courts are to schedule a hearing within seven days of the filing of a case.

Besides domestic abuse, she highlighted that another prevalent form of violation of women rights is harassment. It is important that women are aware about the existing laws against harassment to seek remedy. She briefed the participants on the “Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010” which provides a legal framework in Pakistan to protect women against various forms of workplace harassment. Under Section 2 (h) this includes inappropriate unwelcoming sexual communication, gestures, or expressions that convey derogatory or demeaning connotations. She highlighted that workplace harassment create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment leading to the deprivation of women rights to work. Ms. Nasreen further elucidated that such deliberation may also be carried out to punish a person for refusing to entertain any such requests or make these acts a condition for employment.

She also briefed the participants on the penalties under Section 4 sub-section (4) of the Act. When a complaint is made, the inquiry committee must start the investigation within three days and present its findings to the relevant authority within thirty days under Section 4. For minor offenses, the penalties can include a warning, delaying promotions or salary increases for a set time, stopping an increment if not due to performance issues, or requiring the accused to pay compensation to the complainant from their own funds. The Act also helps protect vulnerable individuals by allowing for harsher penalties under Section 4 Sub-section (ii). These can include being demoted, moved to a lower position, forced to retire early, fired, or dismissed from their job, as well as facing a financial penalty. If the victim is emotionally affected, the law requires that they receive counseling and may provide extra medical leave from work.

Moving on, Ms. Nusrat Miano, Advocate and head of the Women Protection Cell (WPC) Mirpurkhas, explained that the WPC supports women and children who have experienced violence or abuse. They register complaints, investigate cases by gathering evidence, and provide legal aid to help victims file First Information Reports (FIRs) and represent them in court. The WPC also coordinates with hospitals for medical care and offers counseling to help victims cope with trauma. In support of NGOs and government agencies, the WPC strengthens efforts to combat violence against women and children. She highlighted issues faced by women in Mirpurkhas, particularly cases where young girls are harassed and blackmailed through mobile phones, pictures, and videos. She encourage women to raise voice and report harassment and violation of their rights to the Women Protection Cell.

Next, Ms. Afroz Chohan, Incharge Complaint Center, District Police Office Mirpurkhas shared that the role of the Complaint Cell is to ensure public safety and address citizens’ grievances. She explained that they receive complaints regarding various crime incidents, including theft, robbery, assault, traffic violations, domestic disputes, and harassment. Furthermore, she explained that after receiving a complaint, the staff conducts an initial inquiry to gather information, such as the details and nature of the complaint, the date, time, and location of the incident, and any evidence or witnesses. Additionally, she shared that minor complaints are resolved directly by the center staff, while more serious cases are forwarded to the relevant police station or investigation unit. The center collaborates with other government agencies, such as social welfare departments and local administration to address complex issues that require a multi-agency approach. It was also highlighted that the police force must prioritize the recruitment of women officers as it will help address women-related issues more effectively.

Moving forward, Ms. Nasreen Memon led a session on the Gendered Dimension of Corruption. In particular, she spoke on the social accountability tools such as Sindh Right to Information Act 2016 and the need for effective Whistleblower Protection law in the province. She highlighted that corruption affects women, and the challenges faced by women such as exploitation and limited legal help further exacerbates the situation. In male-dominated societies, this limits women’s decision-making and leads to violence and economic struggles, especially in rural areas. She briefed the participants on the mechanisms for reporting corruption, including provincial hotlines established at Chief Minister offices, Office of Ombudsmen, provincial Anti-Corruption Establishments, Pakistan Citizens’ Portal (PCP), and Legal Advice Centre at Transparency International Pakistan. She explained that through ALAC, women can share their issues and receive free legal advice. Additionally, ALAC refers cases to relevant bodies to seek redress for citizens issues. She also spoke on Sindh Transparency and Right to Information Act 2016 and how women can ensure their participation and hold government accountable through the use of Right to Information laws. The participants gained practical skills for drafting RTI applications under the Sindh Right to Information Act, 2016. They learned that this Act empowers women to request various kinds of information, such as budgetary details related to women’s development, including obtaining details around access to women’s development schemes, healthcare services, educational programs, and welfare initiatives specifically designed for women and children.

At the end, participants expressed gratitude to Transparency International Pakistan and ARTs Foundation for creating a supportive space to discuss sensitive issues openly, strengthening their resolve to pursue gender equality and accountability.