Expressing deep concern over the continuous violations of labour rights in the province, speakers at a meeting held on Thursday emphasized the need for the government to expedite the finalization of rules for the Sindh Women Agricultural Workers Act, which was passed in 2019. The gathering, which was the second meeting of the Provincial Stakeholders Alliance (PSA), was jointly hosted by the Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC), Awaz Foundation Pakistan, Centre for Development Services, and NARI Foundation. The focal point of the discussions was the Sindh Women Agricultural Workers Act passed in 2019, which remains pending implementation.
SHRC Chairperson Iqbal Detho emphasized the critical need for the enforcement of provincial labour laws, aligning them with constitutional mandates and the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) conventions. He highlighted the importance of freedom of association, collective bargaining, gender equality, and social security in the workplace.
Labour Officer Reejo Mal provided insights into the Sindh Women Agriculture Workers Act 2019, hailing it as a landmark legislative achievement in South Asia. Addressing the delay in finalizing the rules, he informed that the ILO is currently reviewing them, and subsequent vetting by the law department will follow.
The Act promises to protect the rights and welfare of women agricultural workers, granting them the ability to engage in collective bargaining and access social welfare benefits, including child health and community development, as well as economic opportunities and public services.
The meeting also shed light on the Sindh government’s commitment to gender equality, as evidenced by the Sindh Maternity Benefits Act 2018 and the Sindh Home-Based Workers Act 2018. Plans to repeal 22 outdated laws were discussed, aiming to streamline labor regulations and provide comprehensive protection for workers.
Further discussions at the consultation revolved around amending current labour laws and introducing progressive measures such as transport provisions, separate facilities for female workers, and the formation of district vigilance committees to uphold the Sindh Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 2015.
The event featured notable speakers including Shafqat Larik, Farhat Parveen, Barrister Rida, Akram Khawaja, and Abdul Hameed Sheikh, all advocating for the expedited finalization of the rules to ensure the rights of women agricultural workers are upheld.
Acknowledgement: Published by Dawn on 29 March 2024