SALU organizes awareness session on harassment

SUKKUR, Sep 09 (APP):The Directorate of Students Affairs at Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU), Khairpur, organized an awareness session titled “A Safe, Respectful & Harassment Free Environment for Students” at the Benazir Chair of the University on Wednesday. The session aimed to raise awareness about harassment, promote a culture of respect, and encourage the creation of a safe and supportive university environment.

The guest speaker, Prof. Dr. Agha Nadia spoke extensively on the sensitive nature of harassment and emphasized the importance of creating secure and respectful spaces for students, particularly within educational institutions. She highlighted that harassment is a serious issue that can affect students’ dignity, confidence, academic performance and overall well being.

Dr. Nadia also stressed the need to strengthen preventive measures, promote awareness of students’ rights, and establish an environment where students feel safe to express their concerns without fear, hesitation, or stigma. She encouraged students to speak up and report inappropriate behavior through appropriate channels.

The Chief Guest, Prof. Dr. Wahid Bux Jatoi, Pro Vice Chancellor of SALU, addressed the gathering with a firm stance on the seriousness of harassment as both an institutional and societal challenge. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding the dignity, respect, and security of all students, with particular emphasis on the protection of female students.

Dr. Jatoi highlighted several proactive measures being undertaken by the university to foster a safe academic atmosphere. He reiterated the university’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every student can pursue their education with confidence and a sense of security. He also appreciated the Directorate of Students Affairs for organizing such a meaningful event and commended the active participation of students.

During his address, the Pro Vice Chancellor announced that a Focal Person for Harassment in every department has been nominated to ensure complaints are handled confidentially and without delay, and the university will enforce a strict zero-tolerance policy against harassment, guaranteeing decisive action against any offenders.

Dr. Jatoi emphasized that every member of the university community has a role to play in preventing harassment. He warned that failure to report incidents only encourages perpetrators. “Under the directives of the Vice Chancellor, I am here to listen to your concerns, and we will not compromise on this issue,” he stated. He also assured students that the Directorate of Students Affairs is fully equipped to support them and that complaints would be addressed promptly and justly.

An important component of the session was the interactive discussion with students. Students openly discussed challenges and problems they encounter and highlighted the issue of non-reporting of harassment and inappropriate behavior. The discussion focused on why students may hesitate to report such incidents and the importance of building trust in institutional mechanisms. Students also shared valuable suggestions for improving the overall environment at SALU, including greater awareness, accessible reporting mechanisms, confidentiality, respectful communication, and stronger institutional support for students facing harassment or related concerns.

At the conclusion of the session, Director Students Affairs, Mr. Farhan Latif Memon, thanked the Chief Guest, guest speaker, distinguished guests, faculty members, and students for their participation and valuable contributions. He appreciated the students for openly sharing their concerns and suggestions and emphasized the importance of continued dialogue on student safety and well being.

In his closing remarks, Memon reaffirmed that the University administration is firmly committed to ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all students. He stated that there are strict directives from the Vice Chancellor (VC), Prof. Dr. Yousuf Khushk, regarding zero tolerance for harassment and other such issues.

He also highlighted that the VC is committed to providing a safe, respectful, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for all students, where their dignity and rights are protected. He further assured participants that the Directorate of Students Affairs would continue to facilitate awareness and dialogue on such important issues and organize similar activities in the future.

The session was attended by students from various departments of Shah Abdul Latif University, along with faculty members and distinguished guests, including Prof. Dr. Agha Nadia, MS Paras Niaz, Dr. Zubaida Bhatti, Dr. Sahib Oad, Ms. Shumaila Rubab and others.