FWCCI hails appointment of Dr Najma Afzal as Punjab Women Ombudsperson

FAISALABAD, Apr 20 (APP):Faisalabad Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FWCCI) on Monday paid rich tribute to Dr Najma Afzal Khan on her appointment as Punjab Women Ombudsperson and termed it a matter of pride for the chamber and women across the province.
FWCCI President Mrs. Shahida Aftab and Founding President Mrs. Rubina Amjad while addressing a reception held here in honor of the newly appointed ombudsperson said that Dr Najma Afzal Khan had been associated long with women chamber and supported the organization.
They said that appointment of Dr Najma Afzal to most important constitutional and legal position was a proud moment for FWCCI and women of Punjab.
President FWCCI highlighted Dr Najma’s leadership in the health sector, welfare services and public service, saying that her contributions to women’s development made her highly suitable to further strengthen institutional mechanisms for the protection of women’s rights.
Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Rubina Amjad said that Dr Najma Afzal Khan’s services for FWCCI and particularly for Faisalabad’s business community were invaluable. She said that her assumption of ombudsperson’s office marked the beginning of a new era of hope, justice, dignity and improved governance for working women across Punjab especially in ensuring protection against workplace harassment and timely redressal of grievances.
She expressed confidence that under visionary leadership of Dr Najma Afzal, the office of women ombudsperson would become more accessible, transparent, effective and women-friendly, thereby enhancing the confidence of professional women, entrepreneurs, industrial workers and employees across all sectors.
Addressing the ceremony as chief guest, Dr Najma Afzal Khan thanked the participants for their warm welcome and good wishes.
She also expressed gratitude to Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz for entrusting her with the responsibility.
She said that office of the women ombudsperson was established in 2013 to provide a safe working environment for women under the Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act 2010.
She said that a competent team was in place and she passed first order to ensure establishment of three-member inquiry committees in all public institutions including at least one woman member to address harassment complaints.
She said that awareness campaigns would be launched across Punjab through regional offices to educate people about women’s rights and legal protections. Harassment of women was a global issue requiring sustained efforts for its elimination, she added.
She emphasized that the law ensured complete confidentiality and protection for the complainants.
On the occasion, Vice President Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) Ms Qurrat-ul-Ain also shared her views while officials from Women Ombudsperson office briefed the participants about scope of the law.
Later, FWCCI Vice President Mrs. Mamona Imran presented a vote of thanks while the event was moderated by Ms Christena Peter Senior Vice President FWCCI.
Among others present on the occasion were Ms Tasghira Tajammal, Ms Zarqa Tariq, Ms Aqsa Riaz, Dr Horia and a large number of women participants.