PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 6 Mar, 2026) The role of women in all areas of life including public health was praised on Friday at a ceremony held on the occasion of International Women’s Day at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Peshawar.
The event was organized by the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) with support from UNICEF and in collaboration with the Peshawar District Emergency Operations Center (DEOC).
The event was organized to recognize and honor the efforts and contributions of frontline women health workers, district directors and women journalists for their dedication and services towards the national cause of polio eradication.
Deputy Commissioner Peshawar, Captain (R) Sanaullah Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Ombudsman Rabab Mehdi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women Secretary Shazia Atta attended the event as chief guests. Among the participants in the event were Assistant Commissioner Peshawar, LHW Program Coordinator Peshawar In addition to about 30 health workers and female journalists on the front lines.
Also in attendance were Dr. Ali Haider, Technical Officer of the Emergency Operations Centre, Dr. Muhammad Imran, Team Leader of NSTOP and other Emergency Operations Center officials.
The session was moderated by Ms. Shadab Younis, UNICEF Communications Officer, who welcomed all participants and stressed the importance of International Women’s Day in recognizing the efforts of working women.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner of Peshawar, Captain Sanaullah Khan, thanked the organizers for organizing the event to celebrate International Women’s Day, a day dedicated to honoring women’s contributions to society, especially in the field of public health. He said that women play a major role in all areas of life and their services and efforts must be recognized and appreciated at all levels.
He expressed his appreciation for the role of health workers on the front lines in eradicating polio, and said that, as a a result Thanks to the hard work, unparalleled sacrifices and strong commitment of polio workers, environmental samples for polio virus have turned negative in the province including Peshawar.
He said that even at the administrative level, women’s contributions are notable as they address administrative issues side by side with their male counterparts. Sanaullah Khan also appreciated the role of the Regional Ombudsman Office and KPCSW in addressing the issues faced by women at the community level.
He also noted on this occasion the role of female journalists in shedding light on social issues through their responsible reporting, as well as their positive role in the national cause of polio eradication.
Addressing the session, Regional Ombudsman Rabab Mahdi warmly welcomed all distinguished guests, administrators, frontline health workers and women journalists to attend the event organized on the occasion of International Women’s Day.
She said that International Women’s Day, which is celebrated on March 8 every year, is dedicated to celebrating women’s achievements and striving for gender equality.
Highlighting the role and mandate of the Office of the Ombudsman, she said that the Ombudsman is an independent and impartial official who investigates complaints against organizations – primarily government agencies – to ensure accountability, fairness and protection of rights, adding that his mandate includes identifying, addressing and preventing mismanagement, corruption and injustice through investigation, mediation and recommendations.
She stressed on the participants to make themselves aware of two important laws including the law relating to workplace harassment and the law relating to property rights and encouraged them to approach the Office of the Ombudsman for quick and inexpensive justice.
Expressing her views on the occasion, Shazia Attah, Secretary, KPCSW expressed great appreciation for the role of frontline health workers in public health, especially in polio eradication.
She said that KPCSW actively celebrates International Women’s Day every year to advocate for women’s rights, gender equality and empowerment, adding that the committee organizes seminars, workshops and awareness campaigns to highlight legal protection, anti-harassment laws and policy initiatives to address discrimination and promote a safer and more inclusive environment for women and girls.
On the occasion, she informed the participants that the District’s “Women Empowerment Policy 2026-2030” had been launched recently, adding that the policy is not just a document but a practical commitment by the government to protect women’s rights and dignity and ensure equal opportunities for all women and girls. She said KPCSW is working with all departments to ensure a safer working environment for all women and girls.
Dr. Ali Haider, Prince Edward Island Technical Liaison Officer, Dr. Muhammad Imran, NSTOP Team Leader, thanked the distinguished guests and other participants on behalf of EOC for attending the event. They also expressed their great appreciation for the tireless efforts, unparalleled sacrifices and strong commitment of female health workers, and expressed their hope that the dream of eliminating polio would be achieved. Pakistan It will come true very soon.
The event concluded by appreciating all participants and reaffirming the collective commitment to support, empower and recognize the services of all women who tirelessly contribute to the national cause of a polio-free Pakistan.
At the conclusion of the course, shields and certificates were distributed to the participants.