KARACHI: The Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research (PILER) recently organized a training session for textile and garment workers focused on preventing sexual harassment in the workplace and enhancing awareness of workers’ legal rights.
Participants, primarily from factories supplying international brands, engaged in discussions about workplace challenges and learned about the legal framework protecting employees from harassment. A significant concern raised was the lack of mandatory Inquiry Committees in many factories, which are required by law to address complaints of workplace sexual harassment. This absence limits workers’ access to effective grievance mechanisms and undermines the enforcement of workplace protection laws.
The session aimed to educate participants on their rights under Pakistan’s workplace harassment laws, the procedures for reporting incidents, and the necessity for accessible, fair, and effective complaint mechanisms in every workplace.
PILER emphasized the importance of safe, respectful, and dignified working environments for protecting workers’ rights and promoting gender equality in the industrial sector. The organization highlighted the responsibility of employers, especially those supplying international brands, to adhere to legal requirements and uphold internationally recognized labour standards.
This training is part of PILER’s ongoing commitment to promoting decent work, workplace dignity, and stronger labour rights through awareness, education, and advocacy.
