A character in the Sesame Street cartoons used to say to little girls, When you grow up, you can be whoever you want to be Ironically, the women are only told about all things they are not to be in their growing years. Women comprise more than half of the Pakistani population and yet their gender roles are limited to household chores or raising of children. Beyond these primary roles, no option is available to them for not only the society plays an adversarial role but the culture at the work place also discourages women. The PPP has recently signed a bill, though, which would ensure a conducive workplace environment for women and facilitate them in making complaints against their peers if they face any physical or psychological harassment. A three years sentence, or fine of Rs. 0.5 million or both, could be consequences of the complaint. Under the law, use of immoral language against women or attempting to tease them would be considered a violation of the law too. This law, if applied effectively, would provide a sense of protection to women and break a new path for females in the workplace which, in turn, would make the economic conditions of the country more participatory. But the media has not seemed too enthusiastic in covering this bill and has not highlighted the significance of it to the masses. Unsurprisingly, many amongst the general public are not even aware of the passing of this law. Whether this law would get fully applied or truly accrue the potential benefits outlined above are questions only time will tell. My question is where is the positive role of the media in this that we all expect it to play? -SIDRA ZIA BUTT, Islamabad, July 20.