Ms. Fauzia Viqar, Federal Ombudsperson against Harassment, in her welcome address emphasised the importance of creating safe and secure workplaces for women and acknowledged the role of FOSPAH in helping realise this ideal by dispensing timely and cost-effective justice to women who are aggrieved by acts of harassment at the workplace. She also expressed her gratitude to the Hon’ble President of Pakistan for his unwavering support for women’s rights and FOSPAH. 

In his speech the Guest of Honor, Mr. Saleem Ullah, Deputy Governor State Bank of Pakistan noted that women have the potential to transform the economic landscape of Pakistan. He informed the audience that around 1.2 million women in Pakistan have been taught financial literacy courses under the guidance of the State Bank and that financial empowerment of women is key to their pursuit of equality.

The Hon’ble President of Pakistan who graced the event as the Chief Guest urged the State and society to take proactive measures for protecting and uplifting women. He apprised the audience that 1400 years ago Islam had brought about a gender revolution in the world by granting women dignity, equality and the right to property. He further decried outmoded customs prevalent in the country and advised the audience to spread FOSPAH’s message of a harassment free workplace to others in the hopes of bringing about positive societal change for the betterment of women.