Sending ‘good morning’ texts to women is also harassment, says Kashmala Tariq

ISLAMABAD: Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH) at workplaces, Kashmala Tariq, said on Tuesday that sending ‘good morning’ text messages to women at the work place is also considered harassment.

She was addressing a Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) in Rawalpindi on ‘Women’s Day’.

“I have received complaints in which peons have also harassed women at offices,” she said.

Tariq said that harassment is not only limited to being sexual, but can be of any form.

“If someone constantly asks you out for tea, it is also a kind of harassment,” said the FOSPAH.

She said that there should be a harassment committee in every institution and CCTV cameras should be installed everywhere at an office.

Kashmala Tariq said that if someone is constantly harassing a woman at a workplace then she can approach the FOSPAH to complain against it.

She said that her institution is not only for women but for men as well, as they can bring their complaints too regarding harassment.

“To change women, men should be changed,” she said, adding that the purpose of the meeting is not to challenge men but to create a balance.

She hailed women who have been taking care of their homes along with working at offices, calling them ‘Superwomen’.