Safe working environment must be ensured for women, says governor

It remains a responsibility of both the federal and provincial governments to provide a congenial and safe work environment  for women, said Sindh Governor Mohammad Zubair on Thursday.

Speaking to Shahnawaz Tariq, the Sindh ombudsman for protection against harassment of women at the workplace, the governor said no country could progress without properly acknowledging the contributions made by women to its economy.

 “Our religion itself extends tremendous respect and regard to women and we as its followers cannot overrule it,” Zubair said.

The governor said all departments and organisations must ensure that complaints made by women are properly addressed and culprits found guilty are strictly dealt with.

“Laws already in place must be applied in letter and spirit in order to restore the confidence of women,” he said.

In a report submitted to the government, the provincial ombudsman detailed the relief provided to women who faced issues at their respective workplaces.

 

Welfare of informal female workers

The provincial women’s development department is fully committed to take concrete steps for the welfare of informal women workers and provide them a safe, healthy and protected working environment, said Iram Khalid, special assistant to chief minister for women development, on Wednesday.

She was addressing a dialogue session on ‘Role of Informal Women Workers in the Development of Economy’ organised by the women development department Sindh at a local hotel. She extended her gratitude towards the contributions of informal workers in the economy of the country.

The session was attended by secretary women development Mudassir Iqbal, CEO Aurat Foundation Mehreen Rehman, Aasha Foundation executive member Maliha Khan, Zehra Khan from the Home Based Workers Foundation, and a large number of home-based workers from all over the country.

Iram Khalid said the Sindh women’s development department had signed MoUs with the UN Women organization and Japanese organisation JICA for training and development of home-based workers.

“Such trainings will boost their knowledge and abilities to improve their work according to international market level,” she said, urging the audience to give recommendations and suggestions for further improvement. “We will be thankful for your positive feedback.”

On the occasion, participants stated the difficulties being faced informal women workers in rural areas of the province.