HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT DIFFERENT LEVELS OF SOCIETY: ARE WOMEN SAFE AFTER HARASSMENT BILL AROUND DISTRICT BAHAWALNAGAR?

Abstract

This paper aims to bring forth the harassment and gender discrimination being faced by women of different segments of society. How have they been victimized? and their awareness and response regarding discrimination. Qualitative approach has been applied for study and interviews of groups of females of different professions, students, lawyers, working-class women and house- wives are the source to analyze the facts. Total numbers of 25 females have been interviewed for this study. In addition, analysis shows the level of understanding about their rights and sensitivity regarding harassment and discrimination. The results are evident of unawareness, gender biased norms of society and ignorance about the rights and types of harassments. Mainly the victims are ignorant and if aware, society and cultural norms do not allow them standing against discrimination. However, the act for protection against women harassment has been initiated since 2010 yet there is long way to achieve its benefits for securing females. Secondly, it addresses the deficiency in the act for those women staying at home and facing harassment by different male relatives and they share no place in it. The Act no doubt is a milestone to address the serious issue of security of females but it will take time for females to feel secure in the wake of its true implementation. The need lies in evaluating the true circumstances, societal norms and hurdles to resolve the problem because main issues are usually ignored.