PESHAWAR: The administration of Khyber Teaching Hospital has called upon the female nurses, doctors and other staff to serve the patients without any fear and report to the relevant authorities for incidence of harassment so that disciplinary action could be initiated against the perpetrators.

“There is no room for harassment of women as they play instrumental role in provision of healthcare facilities to the patients,” said Prof Roohul Muqim, the medical director of KTH.

He was addressing a seminar held here on Thursday in connection with International Women’s Day. On the occasion, a walk was also organised that was participated by nurses, lady doctors, paramedics and female managerial staff.

“We strongly encourage and appreciate the spirit with which our female staff is extending services to the people. We would make every effort to safeguard them against harassment,” said Prof Muqim.

Events held to mark International Women’s Day

He said that women staffers should directly approach the administration even if they felt a slightest harassment attempt by anyone so that disciplinary action could be initiated.

He said that discrimination against women was unacceptable in all its forms and manifestation and the perpetrators would face strict action including dismissal from service.

The day was also observed by Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University (SBBWU) wherein students took part in sports, speeches, songs, photography, cooking and painting competitions.

A parliamentary debate session was also arranged in collaboration with Centre for Awareness and Development (CATD). Stalls of traditional handmade cloths, shawls and foods attracted a large number of students. Music was also arranged for participants.

At the end of the event, Vice-Chancellor Dr Razia Sultana distributed cheques among 20 students under Prime Minister Reimbursement Scheme and gave prizes to faculty members on the basis of their performance.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pervez Khattak has pledged a piece of land for Provincial Commission on the Status for Women’s own building and separate spaces and restrooms for female staff of Civil Secretariat on request of the women’s body on International Women’s day.

However, the announcement was made by Amra Khattak, the wife of chief minister, who hosted a programme organised by PCSW and gender studies department, University of Peshawar on International Women’s Day.

On the occasion, PCSW presented its annual performance report 2016-17, which was received by Ms Khattak on behalf of the chief minister, who was unable to attend the meeting as he was accompanying PTI chairman Imran Khan during his visit to Peshawar.

In Chitral, a function was held under the auspices of social welfare department and Aga Khan Rural Support Programme to mark the women’s day.

The function was participated by the women’s rights activists, academicians, social workers and students in large number.

Speaking on the occasion, Nusrat Jabeen, the district social welfare officer, and AKRSP team leader Razia Sultana said that efforts to empower women by the government as well non-governmental organisations started to pay off.

In Mansehra, various programmes were held to mark the International Women’s Day.

The women doctors and staff members of the King Abdullah Teaching Hospital held a function, where medial superintendent Dr Mohammad Javed Tanoli was in the chair. They highlighted their problems at work and home.

The Saibaan Development Organisation also held an event to mark the day, where deputy commissioner Ayaz Khan, district social welfare officer Abdul Rasheed and its managing director Sahibzada Javed Alfaizi highlighted issues facing workingwomen.

In Kohat, the speakers at a seminar called for the formulation of laws for the women’s emancipation and protection from violence.

The Kohat University of Science and Technology organised the event.

In Alpuri area of Shangla, a seminar on the International Women’s Day was held at the District Headquarters Hospital, where the people from different walks of life, especially women and civil society members, were in attendance.

The speakers highlighted the importance of the day and called for the women’s development.

Published in Dawn, March 9th, 2018