A CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA PROTECTION AGAINST HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORKPLACE (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2020

Abstract

This study critically evaluates "Khyber Pakhtunkhwa protection against harassment of women at workplace (amendment) act, 2020," scrutinizing its impact, challenges in implementation, and proposing solutions. The sexual harassment is a pervasive global issue, especially in workplace. The study examines the historical context and societal acceptance of the workplace harassment, which contributed to enactment of the 2010 Act in Pakistan. Thematic analysis was employed to categorize the impacts and challenges, proposing solutions, awareness campaigns, legal doubts, that increasing female representation, establishing specialized courts and enhancing the capabilities of inquiry committees. The study employs a SWOT analysis to explore internal strengths and weaknesses, and external opportunities and challenges of the Act. The conclusions from the three-dimensional analysis acknowledge the Act's initial success but identify weaknesses in execution, like insufficient awareness, inadequate workplace surveillance, and lack of organizational compliance. In this regard, some recommendations were proposed aimed to fortify the Act, raise awareness, and protect the women rights in workplace.