The Pakistan United Workers Federation Balochistan (PUWF) and Lady Health Worker Union Balochistan organized an event in Quetta on March 8, International Women’s Day.
BB Jan, President of the Lady Health Worker Union, chaired the event. The special guest of the event was Pir Muhammad Kakar, General Secretary of Pakistan United Workers Federation Balochistan. Other notable speakers included Samina Sarwar, Vice President, Mushtaq Hussain, Joint Secretary, Noor Jan, Kausar Parveen, and many others. A large number of female leaders and workers attended the event.
Even in the present era, women continue to face issues such as gender inequality, workplace discrimination, job insecurity, and lack of health facilities, said BB Jan Kakar President of the Lady Health Worker Union.
The speakers highlighted the importance of International Women’s Day and discussed the various challenges faced by women, especially Lady Health Workers (LHWs) and women in other sectors, particularly those working under the National Program. The key topics included: wages and career advancement, gender equality and workplace discrimination, lack of equal opportunities in leadership roles, job insecurity and non-permanent employment status, harassment and unsafe working conditions, and the lack of healthcare facilities.
During the event, the speakers raised an important point that for the first time in Balochistan, women have formed their own union, the Lady Health Worker Union, with all office bearers being women. However, it was noted that they had not been provided with any training regarding trade union rights, ILO conventions, labor laws, the harassment act, or gender equality. The speakers urged the government to take measures to ensure fair wages, job security, and protection from harassment in the workplace. Additionally, they called for training programs to equip women with the necessary legal knowledge and leadership skills so that they can effectively raise their voices for their rights.
The event concluded with a strong commitment to continue the struggle for women’s rights and workplace equality, ensuring that women in Balochistan receive the respect, protection, and opportunities they deserve. On this occasion, the leaders of the Federation reiterated that the United Federation has always raised its voice for the rights of the oppressed, especially female workers.
