ISLAMABAD: The Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH) received 375 per cent more complaints compared to the last year, reflecting greater public trust and awareness of FOSPAH’s role in delivering justice and protecting workplace dignity.

This was stated by FOSPAH Fauzia Viqar during a press conference which was held to mark the successful conclusion of the global “16 Days of Activism Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence”, says a press release here on Monday.

The event highlighted significant achievements, innovative initiatives, and a renewed commitment to combating workplace harassment and gender-based violence across Pakistan.

During the campaign, FOSPAH conducted over 50 awareness sessions nationwide, including sessions with government organisations such as Pakistan Post, PIA, NAB, and the Ministry of Climate Change, educational institutions, banks, and healthcare facilities.

A dedicated session for the transgender community was also held which highlighted workplace discrimination, harassment by law enforcement officials, and denial of inheritance rights, fostering dialogue for actionable solutions.

FOSPAH’s digital outreach during these 16 days reached over 80,000 people across platforms, sparking meaningful conversations on workplace harassment and gender-based violence.

At the press conference, Ms Viqar unveiled two groundbreaking initiatives -- My Sentry App, a workplace safety tool offering resources and reporting mechanisms for harassment cases, and Becky’s Button, a portable panic alarm aimed at protecting vulnerable women in public spaces, designed to provide immediate assistance in emergencies.

“Our mission during these 16 days and beyond was to drive cultural and structural change by challenging societal norms, ensuring accessible justice systems, and amplifying the voices of survivors and marginalized communities”, said Ms Viqar.

Published in Dawn, December 10th, 2024