The Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme marked International Women’s Day 2025 with a dedicated event at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) in Islamabad to recognize the critical role of female polio workers in polio eradication initiative across the country. The event highlighted the Programme’s commitment to women’s participation, protection, and acknowledging the dedication of more than 58.4% female polio workers who tirelessly serve communities in some of the most challenging environments.

The event was attended by National and provincial coordinators, and senior officials, where frontline female workers shared their perspective from across the country through video messages. The top leadership reaffirmed their commitment to improving the working conditions and protection of women in the field.

Ms. Ayesha Raza Farooq, Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Polio, emphasized the government’s unwavering assurance 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. The Pakistan Polio Programme has developed a comprehensive Anti-Harassment Policy, aligned with the ‘Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act’ of 2010 and its 2022 amendment, to safeguard their well-being and professional growth. Every worker has the right to a respectful workplace, free from harassment,” she stated.