Islamabad (Agencies): The Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme marked International Women’s Day 2025 with a special event at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), recognizing the vital role of female frontline workers in the country’s polio eradication efforts.
The event underscored the Programme’s commitment to increasing women’s participation and protection, acknowledging the dedication of over 58.4% female polio workers who serve in some of the most challenging environments. National and provincial coordinators, senior officials, and frontline female workers attended, with many workers sharing their experiences through video messages.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Polio, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a safe and empowering environment for female frontline workers. “Today, as we commemorate International Women’s Day, I want to reaffirm our collective commitment to ensuring a safe, dignified, and enabling environment for every female frontline worker,” she said.
She highlighted the Programme’s Anti-Harassment Policy, which aligns with the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act of 2010 and its 2022 amendment, ensuring a respectful workplace free from harassment. She also outlined measures such as improved Team Support Centers (TSCs), operational safety protocols, and streamlined stipend payments to enhance working conditions for female polio workers.
Many female workers shared their sense of fulfillment in administering polio drops despite the challenges of convincing families to vaccinate their children. Their dedication, they said, stems from knowing they are contributing to a healthier future for Pakistan.
NEOC National Coordinator Anwar ul Haq paid tribute to the resilience of female polio workers, calling them the “backbone of Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts.” He highlighted their courage in working in high-risk areas and emphasized that empowering women in frontline health roles strengthens communities and ensures a polio-free Pakistan.
As Pakistan continues its fight against polio, the Programme reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing the safety, dignity, and recognition of female polio workers, vowing to invest in their well-being and contributions. The event concluded with a renewed pledge to support and protect the women leading the nation’s polio eradication mission.