Gender Discrimination and Sexual Harassment in the Legal Profession: A Perspective from Patriarchal Society.

The aim of this study is to ask female lawyers about gender discrimination and sexual harassment in Pakistan, a conservative and patriarchal society. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among women lawyers working in the five largest bar associations in the province of Punjab, Pakistan (including: Multan, Bahawalpur, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi). Women lawyers stated that gender discrimination and sexual harassment are prevalent. Most female lawyers experienced discouragement, disrespect, and gender discrimination by their colleagues, clients, and police officials. Female lawyers also experienced sexual harassment from male colleagues and litigants in their workplace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]