PESHAWAR: Provincial Ombudsperson Rukhshanda Naz has expressed concern over harassment of women and denial of right in property to them.

Addressing a seminar here on Tuesday, she stressed the need for creating awareness to empower women, as they constituted 52 per cent of population. The seminar was organised jointly by World Health Organisation and Khyber Medical University.

“Forty women died due to abortion at Khyber Teaching Hospital as their husbands didn’t want birth of girls. There is a vibrant campaign in India against sex selection which leads to the problems of women,” she said.

Ms Naz said that harassment of women was against the law but it kept rising and cases remained under-reported. “We need to scale up awareness about women’s rights,” he added.

KMU Vice-chancellor Prof Ziaul Haq highlighted the initiative of the university to introduce gender-sensitive language in MBBS, BDS and Allied Health Sciences curricula. “This progressive step is designed to educate future healthcare professionals on importance of equity and sensitivity in medical communication and practice, aligning with both global standards and local needs,” he added.

He said the seminar reflected the joint commitment of KMU and WHO to integrate gender equity into healthcare education and practice, marking a significant milestone in the university’s efforts to promote a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system.

Dr Mohammad Babar Alam from WHO emphasised the importance of integrating gender equity into healthcare policies and practices. He said that WHO was committed to fostering inclusion and equity in the health sector.

Prof Naeema Uthman and Prof Rubina Nazli, the pro-VC of KMU, shed light on the importance of education and awareness about gender equity and breast cancer.

MPA Nisar Baz called for the elimination of distinction between boys and girls and stressed the need for women’s welfare and development.

Former MPA Dr Sumaira Shams stressed the need for sustained policy efforts to empower women and ensure equity at all levels.

Dr Ijaz Hussain and other experts also addressed the seminar. KMU’s Dr Maria Ishaq Khattak, a researcher specialising in gender-based violence, played a pivotal role in organising the event.

Published in Dawn, December 4th, 2024