HBWWF Calls for Immediate Ratification of ILO Convention 190, an End to Workplace Harassment of Women, and Ensuring Their EmpowermentDemands Respect for Fair Wages and Freedom of Association for Women WorkersPress Statement

(KARACHI) On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the Home-Based Women Workers Federation Pakistan (HBWWF) organized a seminar at the Karachi Press Club, presided over by the Federation’s Central General Secretary, Zehra Khan. The seminar paid tribute to the three courageous “Butterfly Sisters” from the Dominican Republic, whose struggle against dictatorship is commemorated globally on this day every year.The purpose of the seminar was to defend democratic freedoms and raise a collective voice against the harassment, violence, and socio-economic injustices faced by working women in Pakistan—conditions that continue to deteriorate their lives.The speakers at the seminar included Mehnaz Rehman (renowned journalist and women’s rights activist), Dr. Lubna Naz (Professor, Institute of Business Administration and Director, Center for Business and Economic Research), Zahra Khan (Central General Secretary, Home-Based Women Workers Federation), Nargis Rahman (Peace Foundation), Dr. Momal, Aqsa Kanwal (Alternative), Maimunisa (Textile and Garment Union Member), Saira Firo (General Secretary, United HB garment Workers Union), Parveen Bano (Zardosi Workers Union) and others.Speakers noted that the three sisters — Patria, Minerva, and Maria Mirabal — known worldwide as the “Butterflies,” had become universal symbols of courage and resistance against oppression. Their fearless struggle against dictatorship continues to inspire Pakistani women, especially working women, to confront a system rooted in injustice, misogyny, increasing harassment, and violent behaviors.Speakers added that the shining historical legacy of three sisters strengthened the resolve to challenge the coercive patriarchal structures imposed on society—structures that uphold anti-democratic attitudes, violent practices, and authoritarian suppression of dissent across all spheres of life.Highlighting the resilience of women workers, especially those in factories and the informal sector, the speakers stated that they were increasingly aware of their rights and remain steadfast as a movement against all forms of exploitation. They understood the nature of their challenges and were learning the pathways necessary for social justice and economic progress.According to the speakers, nearly 85% of women workers experienced workplace harassment, with factory workers and informal-sector workers being the most affected. Women constitute around 25% of the manufacturing workforce in Pakistan, where unsafe working conditions, wage discrimination, and sexual harassment were widespread. Despite contributing significantly to Pakistan’s economy, women workers in the informal sector lack legal and social protection, making them more vulnerable to exploitation.
A report indicates that 90% of home-based and informal women workers faced different forms of harassment. Yet, due to limited resources and regressive social norms, they were unable to report abuses or pursue justice—conditions that severely impede efforts to challenge gender-based exploitation.Speakers reminded the audience that Pakistan enacted an anti-harassment law in 2010, yet implementation remains negligible. Nearly 90% of factories had not formed the mandatory anti-harassment committees, while those that did exist often serve merely as a façade for international brands and did not take action against management.Speakers further expressed concern over shrinking democratic freedoms, the silencing of dissent through unlawful tactics, and the increasing incidents of detaining and forcibly disappearing political activists, particularly women. They stressed the urgent need for a broad-based social and political resistance movement, drawing inspiration from the struggle of the Butterfly Sisters.At the conclusion of the seminar, HBWWF reaffirmed its commitment to continue the struggle for justice, democratic values, dignity, and a safe working environment, carrying forward the legacy of the Butterfly Sisters until final victory.The following demands were presented: Ensure strict implementation of anti-harassment laws across all sectors, including agriculture and the informal economy. Establish an accessible, safe, and fear-free complaint mechanism for women workers, especially those in the informal sector. Pakistan must immediately ratify ILO Convention 190 and ensure effective implementation of existing national laws. Provide fair wages and register women workers with social protection institutions. Restore freedom of expression and all democratic rights; repeal draconian laws such as PECA. Establish functional anti-harassment committees at all workplaces. Repeal all discriminatory laws against women. Release all political prisoners, including comrade Ali Wazir and Dr. Mahrang Baloch and others. Child marriage should be made illegal in all provinces, including Sindh. Strong and concrete steps should be taken to stop digital harassment completely.