The third meeting of the Provincial Stakeholders Assembly (PSA) for the empowerment of Women Agricultural Workers (WAWs) in Punjab took place in Lahore, organized by AwazCDS-Pakistan, provided a critical platform to discuss and analyze the Punjab Labor Code 2024, especially Chapter 4.2, which outlines specific provisions for agricultural workers. Representatives from key government departments, civil society, and relevant stakeholders gathered to address challenges and advocate for the rights for WAWs.
Mr. Zia ur Rehman, Chief Executive of AwazCDS-Pakistan, provided valuable insights into the Punjab Labor Code 2024, focusing on Chapter 4.2 regarding agricultural workers. In a comprehensive brief, he highlighted areas for improvement within the labor code, especially the need for fair compensation, the right to written agreements, and collective bargaining for agricultural workers, emphasizing gender equity and individual rights. Key points included, Section 218; this section outlines rights related to compensation, agreements, and bargaining. Mr. Rehman suggested that payments in kind be minimized, and cash payments prioritized to prevent exploitation. He also stressed that individual compensation should be ensured for all family members working in agriculture, especially vulnerable female workers. In addition to that Mr. Zia recommended that written agreements be made mandatory for all agricultural workers, preventing any potential abuse in the informal sector. He pointed out the need for clearer language within the labor code to close potential loopholes. With the establishment of specific rules pending, he proposed a timeline for the development of these guidelines to ensure workers’ rights are effectively safeguarded.
Mr. Rao Zahid, Deputy Secretary (Labor & Development), commended the insightful analysis made by AwazCDS-Pakistan of the labor code’s loopholes, particularly around compensation and agreement requirements. He expressed his department’s commitment to revisiting these areas to create a more inclusive and fair labor code for agricultural workers in Punjab.
Ms. Kanwal Liaqat, MPA Punjab, commended the contributions of AwazCDS-Pakistan and pledged to advance this agenda by bringing WAW issues directly to the Chief Minister of Punjab, Ms. Maryam Nawaz Sharif. She emphasized that addressing these concerns at the legislative level is imperative for protecting women workers’ rights and livelihoods in the agricultural sector.
Mr. Nadeem Ashraf, Member of the Punjab National Commission for Human Rights, underscored the importance of safeguarding labor rights, especially for vulnerable women in agriculture. He advocated for proactive follow-up actions to ensure that the provisions of the labor code are enforced and that WAWs have access to the protections it offers.
Throughout the meeting, participants engaged actively in discussions, sharing perspectives and proposing practical solutions to overcome barriers faced by WAWs. The collective insights and commitments from government representatives and stakeholders marked a significant step towards realizing a more equitable environment for women agricultural workers in Punjab.
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