Harmony Foundation in Pakistan

Harmony Foundation is an organization based in Faisalabad, Pakistan, that seeks to protect and advance workers’ rights, especially women, by creating a work environment free of discrimination and sexual harassment. The organization has been focused specifically on research, documentation, monitoring and advocacy related to labor standards in the (export-oriented) textile industry in Faisalabad. Through an employers awareness campaign focused on the rights of working women, Harmony has been working to push for the adoption of the Code of Conduct prepared by Alliance against Sexual Harassment at Work place (AASHA). To achieve its goals, Harmony engages with lawyers, media persons, civil society organizations and representatives of Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

In addition to the above, Harmony also pursues theatre related advocacy to promote the rights of working women. The organization has also established a help line for women workers to use to report instances of discrimination and sexual harassment. Harmony’s lawyers’ team then works to follow up on these cases using both legal and social avenues. Currently, with support from the ILRF, Harmony is undertaking investigative research on the labor and health conditions in Wal-Mart factories in Faisalabad, Pakistan. As anticipated, research finings indicate that women are being systematically denied their basic rights to enjoy permanent contracts and equal pay for equal work, amongst other things. Women are also particularly vulnerable to sexual violence and sexual harassment in the workplace, which further curtails their already limited levels of bargaining power.