UMERKOT, May 17: A woman health supervisor has accused her male colleagues of sexual harassment.

She said they had been forcing her to visit bungalows of landlords and local politicians and appealed to the provincial health minister and other authorities to provide her protection.

Talking to Dawn here the other day, Ms Safia, 30, posted in Basic Health Unit in the village of Mir Ghulam Mustafa Talpur in Kunri taluka, alleged that several attempts had been made by her colleagues to dishonour her but she had always resisted and protected herself.

She said that in-charge of the BHU Dr Gamoon and his driver had also forced her to have illicit relations with them.

She said that a few days ago, a landlord of the area had arrived at BHU with his 21 armed men and tried to kidnap her but other women health workers present there had foiled the bid.

Ms Safia said she moved an application on April 10 to district health officer (DHO) of Umerkot Dr Aziz Kumbhar, but he had advised her to accept demands of BHU staff and compromise with them, instead of taking action.

She said she along with other LHWs protested against such harassment but they had been threatened with termination of jobs.

She said she had come forward to raise this issue, but in most cases LHWs did not raise their voice.

Answering a question, she said registration of an FIR and visiting courts were uphill tasks for a girl.

When contacted, the DHO said Safia’s service had been terminated by him two weeks ago on allegations that she did not perform her duty punctually and encouraged others to do so.

Asked about action on application submitted by her, alleging attempts of sexual harassment against a driver and in-charge of BHU, he said she could level any allegation.

Dr Gamoon said he and his driver did not harass the woman and her allegations were false.