Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Provincial Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace, H.E. Rubab Mehdi, led the first-ever provincial-level webinar with vice chancellors of 48 public and private universities across the province.
The webinar was organized in collaboration with the Higher Education Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under the guidance of Secretary Higher Education Dr. Israr. The initiative aimed to strengthen institutional mechanisms in universities to ensure safe, respectful, and dignified educational and professional environments for women.
During the session, participants discussed the effective implementation of workplace harassment laws in universities, the strengthening of complaint redressal systems, and improved protection measures for women. The webinar marked an important step in enhancing coordination between the Ombudsperson Secretariat and higher education institutions across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Addressing the participants, H.E. Rubab Mehdi said that creating safe and respectful working environments for women is both a personal and institutional priority. She emphasized that universities are not only centers of learning but also play a key role in shaping social values, making the enforcement of a zero-tolerance policy against harassment essential.
She further stated that the Ombudsperson Secretariat would continue taking strong measures to ensure compliance with women protection laws, raise awareness, and strengthen collaboration with universities to create safer academic spaces.
The participating vice chancellors appreciated the initiative and reaffirmed their commitment to activating inquiry committees, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, and providing women with safe, respectful, and supportive educational and professional environments.
