ISLAMABAD: A joint meeting of civil society organizations was held by AASHA (Alliance against Sexual Harassment at workplace) in Islamabad today. The organizations include Mehergarh, Bedari, Hawwa Crafts, PODA , Interactive Resource Centers , PILER, Action Aid and many others, a press release said on Friday.

The civil society members highly commended the National Assembly for passing the amendments in section 509 in PPC (Pakistan Penal code) which gives protection to women against harassment.

The Bill declares sexual harassment as an inappropriate behavior and a crime. May it be harassment of women working in the fields, women laborers working on the brick kilns or those working as domestic workers. It is also for women protection against such behavior in private or public places.

It builds upon the earlier version of 509 which was similar in the spirit. In the amended version the term sexual harassment was defined more explicitly. The more explicit version will help people to understand that this behavior is not acceptable and will help the women to file cases, said the press release.

Dr Fouzia Saeed, Director Mehergarh and AASHA member while discussing the role of all the political parties said; the biggest success for the women is that all the parties unanimously approved the bill. We are very proud that these parties vocally supported the bill and approved it with sweeping majority.

She also mentioned that the second bill which deals with harassment against women in the formal sector is expected soon and we hope that the government as well as the opposition will show the same respect and dignity for women and will approve it unanimously.

Ms Kishwer Naheed, another AASHA member and Executive Director HAWWA Crafts also welcomed the bill on behalf of the women of Pakistan and said; In the last 62 years this is the first time that women in public place and work related environment has been acknowledged.

Ms Sameena Nazir from poda who works with rural women of Pakistan said; this bill will build the confidence of rural and marginalized women of our country.

Ms Farzana Bari, Head of Gender studies department QAU, appreciated the government for this historic achievement and said that we are waiting for the second bill to get approved from the assembly with the same commitment.