The Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH) has reported a remarkable 375% increase in complaints compared to the previous year, signaling growing public trust and heightened awareness of its role in safeguarding workplace dignity and delivering justice. This significant increase was highlighted by FOSPAH Ombudsperson Fauzia Viqar during a press conference marking the conclusion of the global “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign.
In her announcement, Viqar underscored the milestone achievements and the strengthening commitment to tackling workplace harassment and gender-based violence across Pakistan. As part of the campaign, FOSPAH conducted over 50 awareness sessions nationwide, engaging various sectors including government organizations such as Pakistan Post, PIA, NAB, and the Ministry of Climate Change, as well as educational institutions, banks, and healthcare facilities. A special session was also organized for the transgender community, addressing workplace discrimination, harassment by law enforcement, and denial of inheritance rights, aiming to foster actionable solutions.
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Additionally, FOSPAH’s digital outreach during the campaign reached over 80,000 people, sparking important conversations on workplace harassment and gender-based violence.
During the press conference, Ms. Viqar introduced two groundbreaking initiatives: My Sentry App, a workplace safety tool offering resources and reporting mechanisms for harassment cases, and Becky’s Button, a portable panic alarm designed to assist vulnerable women in public spaces immediately.
“Our mission during these 16 days and beyond is to drive cultural and structural change by challenging societal norms, ensuring accessible justice systems, and amplifying the voices of survivors and marginalized communities,” stated Ms. Viqar.
