Islamabad, The International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), in partnership with the Federal Ombudsperson Secretariat for Protection against Harassment of Women at Workplace (FOSPAH), conducted an informative seminar on Tuesday focused on reinforcing women’s property rights and combating harassment in the workplace.

According to International Islamic University Islamabad, the seminar featured a keynote address by the Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace, Fauzia Viqar, who emphasized the need to amplify the role of working women to bolster the national economy. She highlighted the pervasive issue of harassment faced by women and urged educated females to assert their rightful claims and stand against such injustices.

Fauzia Viqar also elaborated on the procedures to address harassment, underscoring the confidentiality maintained for complainants and the proactive role of FOSPAH in educating the public about women’s rights. She commended IIUI for its progressive steps, including the appointment of its first female Rector, which she cited as a testament to the positive influence of educational institutions in creating an equitable society for women.

IIUI Rector, Prof. Dr. Samina Malik, expressing gratitude towards Viqar for her insights, called upon academic institutions and women in higher education to support efforts in safeguarding women’s rights and to assist bodies like FOSPAH. She proudly noted that IIUI has a strong female student body and has dedicated a campus specifically for women to pursue quality education.

The event was well attended by IIUI’s Vice President, Research and Enterprise, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Shuja Syed, Director Female Campus Dr. Summiyya Chughtai, faculty, and numerous students. The seminar provided a vital dialogue platform, with discussions on creating a secure and dignified workplace for women and exploring measures to prevent and address harassment.