Society for Human Rights and Prisoners’ Aid (SHARP-Pakistan), in collaboration with the Department of Anthropology, Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), Islamabad, organized a Legal Literacy Session on Gender Equality, Prevention of Gender-Based Violence and Workplace Harassment, and Access to Justice under its SHARP-Women Programme, with the generous support of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Islamabad.
The session aimed to strengthen legal awareness among students on gender equality, rights, harassment prevention, and complaint mechanisms, fostering safe, inclusive and dignified academic and professional environments.
Mr. Muhammad Mudassar, CEO SHARP-Pakistan, in his opening remarks, shared his long association with the Department of Anthropology and commended the young students for their commitment to building a safe protection environment. He appreciated the Government of Pakistan for enacting progressive legislation for the protection of women, girls and children, and acknowledged the German Embassy for its consistent support to human rights and gender justice. He stressed that while laws exist, the real challenge lies in awareness, implementation and compliance. As a society, he noted, we must all play a positive role to ensure protection for everyone.
Ms. Sonia, Project Coordinator SHARP-Women, oriented participants on forms of GBV, workplace harassment and gender discrimination. She highlighted practical examples of inappropriate conduct, reporting pathways, and available mechanisms including University Harassment Committees, the Federal Ombudsperson Secretariat for Protection against Harassment (FOSPAH) and law enforcement support.
Mr. Waqar Malik, Certified Trainer on Anti-Harassment Laws, FOSPAH Islamabad, elaborated on Pakistan’s legal framework, particularly the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010 (amended 2022). He explained the inquiry process, institutional accountability, confidentiality and the importance of accessible, survivor-centric reporting.
Dr. Huma Haq, Department of Anthropology, QAU, provided a scholarly anthropological perspective on gender and harassment. Framing the discourse through de jure versus de facto realities, she highlighted the gap between legal provisions and lived experiences, and how social norms, power structures and cultural practices shape compliance and access to justice.
The session concluded with a shield presentation ceremony. Dr. Saadia Abid, Associate Professor and Chairperson, Department of Anthropology, QAU, presented a shield to Mr. Muhammad Mudassar. The CEO SHARP-Pakistan presented shields to Mr. Waqar Malik and Dr. Saadia Abid in recognition of their valuable contributions and collaboration.
SHARP-Pakistan remains committed to advancing human rights, women’s empowerment and access to justice through sustained legal literacy, advocacy and partnerships.
