Dr. Rubaba Khan Buledi leads women empowerment initiative

The Women Development Department and the Quetta Divisional Administration have joined forces to empower women, combat harassment, and create more opportunities for women in all sectors. This collaboration aims to establish special committees in various departments to address harassment issues effectively under the Anti-Harassment Act. Dr. Rubaba Khan Buledi, the Advisor to the Chief Minister of Balochistan on Women Development, recently met with Commissioner Quetta Division, Hamza Shafqaat, to enhance gender equality initiatives in the region.

Dr. Buledi, also serving as the Parliamentary Secretary for Health, has initiated the setup of dedicated spaces for women at prominent public locations in Quetta, including the District Court, University of Balochistan, Quetta International Airport, High Court of Balochistan, and Sardar Bahadur Khan Women's University. These facilities cater to the needs of working women by providing amenities like prayer rooms, baby feeding areas, and rest zones. However, some of these centers are currently inactive and require activation to serve their intended purpose.

Emphasizing the significance of a safe workplace environment for women, Dr. Buledi highlighted that harassment is a serious offense under the law and will not be tolerated. She issued a strong warning that any complaints of harassment will be thoroughly investigated, and those found guilty will face consequences, potentially including job termination.

All departments are mandated to establish anti-harassment committees as per the Anti-Harassment Act, with progress reports expected from each department. Departments failing to comply will be given a deadline, and if non-compliance persists, the relevant administrative secretaries and the Chief Secretary of Balochistan will be informed in writing to take appropriate action against responsible officials.

Commissioner Quetta Division, Hamza Shafqaat, praised Dr. Rubaba Khan Buledi for her leadership and expressed optimism about the collaborative efforts to promote women's development and ensure their protection. He assured that comprehensive measures would be implemented to safeguard working women and create a secure environment for them.

The partnership between the Women Development Department and the Quetta Divisional Administration signifies a significant step towards empowering women, preventing harassment, and fostering gender equality in Balochistan. By establishing anti-harassment committees and providing dedicated spaces for women, the authorities are demonstrating their commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for women across various sectors. This initiative not only promotes women's progress but also sets a precedent for ensuring women's rights and safety in the workplace.