EOC organizes event in connection with International Women’s Day

PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Mar, 2026) Rich tributes were paid to the role of women in every sphere of life including public health on Friday at an event held in connection with International Women Day at Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Peshawar.

The event was organized by EOC with the support of UNICEF in collaboration with District Emergency Operations Center (DEOC) Peshawar.

The event was organized to acknowledge and honour the efforts and contributions of female frontline health workers, female district administrators and female journalists for their dedication and services to the national cause of polio eradication.

Deputy Commissioner Peshawar, Captain (r) Sanaullah Khan, Provincial Ombudsperson Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rubab Mehdi and Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on Status of Women (KPCSW) Shazia Atta attended the event as chief guests. Participants of the event included female Assistant Commissioner Peshawar, Coordinator LHW Program Peshawar as well as around 30 frontline health workers and female journalists.

Dr. Ali Haider Technical Focal Person EOC, Dr. Muhammad Imran Team Lead NSTOP and other EOC officials were also in attendance.

Moderating the session, Ms. Shadab Younas, Communication Officer UNICEF, welcomed all participants and highlighted the significance of International Women’s Day in recognizing the efforts of working women.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Peshawar Captain (r) Sanaullah Khan thanked the organizers for arranging the event to commemorate International Women's Day, a day dedicated to honoring the contributions of women to society especially in the field of public health. He said that women play a key role in each and every sphere of life and their services and efforts should be acknowledged and appreciated at all levels.

Appreciating the role of frontline health workers in polio eradication, he said that as a result of the hard work, matchless sacrifices and strong commitment of polio workers, the environmental samples for polio virus are turning negative in the province including Peshawar.

He said that even at the administrative level, the contributions of women are remarkable as they are addressing administrative issues side by side with their male counterparts. Sanaullah Khan also appreciated the role of the office of provincial ombudsperson and KPCSW is addressing the issued faced by the women at the community level.

On this occasion, he also acknowledged the role of female journalists in highlighting social issues through their responsible reporting as well as their positive role in the national cause of polio eradication.

Addressing the session, Provincial Ombudsperson Rubab Mehdi warmly welcomed all distinguished guests, female administrators, frontline female health workers and female journalists for attending the event which was organized in connection with International Women’s Day.

She said that International Women’s Day, observed every year on 8th March, is devoted to celebrating the achievements of women and seeking gender equality.

Highlighting the role and mandate of the office of ombudsperson, she said that an ombudsperson is an independent, impartial official who investigates complaints against organizations—primarily government agencies—to ensure accountability, fairness, and the protection of rights, adding that its mandate includes identifying, redressing, and preventing maladministration, corruption, and injustice through investigation, mediation, and recommendations.

She emphasized on the participants to make themselves aware about two important laws including the one related with workplace harassment and the one related with property rights and encouraged them to approach the ombudsperson’s office to get inexpensive and speedy justice.

Expressing her views on this occasion, Shazia Atta, Secretary KPCSW, highly appreciated the role of frontline health workers in public health, especially in polio eradication.

She said that KPCSW actively observes International Women's Day every year to advocate for women's rights, gender equality, and empowerment, adding that the commission organizes seminars, workshops, and awareness campaigns for highlighting legal protections, anti-harassment laws, and policy initiatives to address discrimination, fostering a safer and more inclusive environment for women and girls.

On this occasion, she apprised the participants that the provincial ‘Women Empowerment Policy 2026-2030’ has been launched recently, adding that this policy is not merely a document but a practical commitment by the government to safeguard women’s rights, dignity, and ensure equal opportunities for all women and girls. She said that KPCSW is engaged with all departments to ensure a safer work environment for all women and girls.

Dr. Ali Haider, Technical Focal Person PEI Dr. Muhammad Imran Team Lead NSTOP thanked the distinguished guests and other participants on behalf of EOC for attending the event. They also highly appreciated the untiring efforts, matchless sacrifices and strong commitment of female health workers and hoped that the dream of a polio-free Pakistan will come true very soon.

The event concluded with appreciation for all participants and a reaffirmed collective commitment to support, empower and acknowledge the services of all those women who contribute tirelessly to the national cause of a polio-free Pakistan.

At the conclusion of the session, shields and certificates were distributed among the participants.