Two months have passed since the government withdrew a bill aimed at strengthening measures to prevent sexual harassment and abuse in the workplace, yet the legislation has not been resubmitted to the People’s Majlis.
The bill to amend the Prevention of Sexual Harassment and Abuse Act was sponsored by Kelaa MP Abdulla Shareef. While the first reading took place on April 22, the bill was abruptly withdrawn on April 26 before the floor debate could commence.
According to the announcement made in Parliament, the bill was withdrawn under Article 101(a) of the Standing Orders of the People’s Majlis to incorporate further amendments. However, the government has not disclosed the proposed changes.
The objectives of the bill include clarifying the legal responsibilities of employers and the "Sexual Harassment Prevention Committees" established under the Act. It also seeks to strengthen the procedures and protocols followed by these committees in investigating complaints to better protect the rights of victims.
Furthermore, the bill proposes to expand the scope of monitoring employer compliance and aims to resolve existing challenges faced in the enforcement of the current law.
Neither the Attorney General’s (AG) Office nor MP Shareef have yet provided a comment regarding the status of the bill.
