Men barred from attending girls-only events in K-P schools

Women parliamentarians, govt officers to be invited as chief guests

PESHAWAR: The provincial education ministry has banned the entry of men to events which are meant for girls while media coverage — including on social media —will not be allowed either.

This has been directed by the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Elementary and Secondary Education ministry.

Men will not be allowed to visit even as chief guests. Instead, women parliamentarians and local government representation can be invited as chief guests at such events.

According to the ministry, the ban was imposed on functions such as sporting competitions.

“At girl's school events, only female parliamentarians or female officers should be called as chief guests,” Education Minister Ziaullah Bangash told the media, adding, “entry of men into female education institutes has been banned.”

Officials privy to the development stated that pictures and videos from women-only events, including sporting competitions and others, were posted on social media and were later reported for not seeking the consent of the individuals featured.

“This happened recently when some photos were shared on social media without the consent of those having been photographed,” a senior government official informed said, adding, “The issue was reported on the local level but was later brought into the notice of concerned officials who may have pursued the ministry to impose a ban.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 30^th, 2018.