Intersecting gendered insecurity sexual harassment and power relations in Pakistan's public and professional life context

Sexual harassment remains a pervasive yet underreported form of gender-based violence in Pakistan, affecting women’s mobility, wellbeing, and participation in public and professional life. This study investigates the prevalence, forms, and psychosocial consequences of sexual harassment, as well as professional perceptions of workplace harassment, through two complementary studies. Study I employed a cross-sectional survey design with a sample of 543 female university students recruited from major urban centers, including Bahawalpur, Lahore, and Faisalabad. Using a structured questionnaire adapted from the Sexual Harassment Experience Questionnaire, the study examined verbal, nonverbal, and physical harassment, along with immediate and long-term responses. Findings indicate that nonverbal harassment was the most prevalent form, with over 95% of participants reporting at least one experience. Harassment most frequently occurred in marketplaces and public streets, typically involving strangers. Exposure to harassment was significantly associated with higher levels of immediate distress, avoidance behaviors, and long-term negative outcomes, including reduced self-confidence and discomfort in social interactions. Study II used a purposive sample of 148 professionals from diverse occupations (including education, healthcare, law, and banking) to assess perceptions of workplace harassment and its perceived impact on women’s professional functioning. Quantitative analyses revealed variations in how different professions classify and respond to harassing behaviors, with some normalization of less overt forms such as staring or verbal remarks. A majority of respondents identified psychological distress as a primary consequence of workplace harassment, alongside reduced workplace engagement. Together, the findings highlight the widespread nature of sexual harassment across public and professional domains and underscore gaps in recognition and response. The study emphasizes the need for improved institutional mechanisms, awareness, and support systems to address harassment and mitigate its psychosocial consequences for women in Pakistan.