Call for Equal Pay and Protection for Women Workers
KARACHI: Marking International Women’s Day on March 8, the Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research (PILER) organized a programme highlighting the rights of women workers, workplace equality and the need for safe working environments.
Addressing the participants, PILER Director Abbas Haider said that ensuring equal pay, job security and harassment-free workplaces for women is a shared responsibility of both the state and society. He noted that International Women’s Day serves as a tribute to the long historical struggle, sacrifices and contributions of women in the development of society. The day also renews the collective commitment to equality, protection and justice for women in all spheres of life.
Haider pointed out that millions of women in Pakistan work in industries, factories, farms, homes and offices, yet many continue to face wage inequality, job insecurity, harassment and limited opportunities for advancement. In many cases, women are paid less than men for the same work, which he described as a clear violation of basic human rights.
Sadia Baloch, Council Member of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, emphasized that women have the right to work in environments free from harassment, pressure and discrimination. She noted that although laws exist in Pakistan to protect women at workplaces, their effective implementation remains a major challenge.
Referring to recent tensions in the Middle East, she said women historically do not start wars but often bear their consequences, including displacement, loss of livelihoods and increased violence. She also called for greater representation of women in leadership positions.
Labour leader Shamim Ali highlighted the lack of social security for women workers, noting that many are denied maternity leave, medical care, childcare facilities and pensions.
Participants demanded equal wages, safe workplaces, job security, training opportunities, maternity benefits and access to social security for women workers, stressing that women’s empowerment is essential for building a just and developed society.
