Women's enclave launched in Gujranwala for empowerment

GUJRANWALA:

First-ever women's enclave has been launched in Gujranwala to tackle the challenges faced by women in the region.

Authorities said the establishment of this centre would address women's issues from harassment to cybercrime - without having to navigate various institutions.

The Women's Enclave, situated in Satellite Town near the Government Girls Postgraduate College, is designed to consolidate multiple services under one roof, creating a centralised resource for women in Gujranwala.

The initiative was spearheaded by Regional Police Officer (RPO) Tayyab Haider Cheema and City Police Officer (CPO) Rana Ayaz Salim with the support of the Punjab Police Inspector General (IG) and other federal agencies.

The Women's Enclave will serve as a safe and secure location for women to report a variety of issues, from police complaints to FIA cybercrime cases.

It is staffed entirely by female officers, ensuring a comfortable and non-intimidating environment where women can openly share their problems.

Women can now report issues from any of the 30 police stations across the district without the need to physically visit the police stations themselves.

All matters will be addressed by the relevant female officers on-site at the Women's Enclave, with reports escalated to the CPO and other officials.

The head of the Women's Enclave is Tayyiba Hamid, a trailblasing officer and the first female SHO in Gujranwala.

CPO Rana Ayaz Salim said the Women's Enclave is a unique facility that caters to women's specific needs by providing services from various departments, including police, FIA, traffic, and the provincial ombudsman's office.

Whether it's reporting harassment, resolving cybercrime issues, renewing driving licenses, or submitting complaints to the provincial ombudsman, all services will be available in one location.

"Women no longer need to travel long distances to access essential services," said CPO Salim.

"For instance, those needing assistance with FIA Cybercrime issues used to have to travel 9-10 kilometres to City Housing. Now, female FIA officers will be available at the Women's Enclave to assist with their cases."

Additionally, traffic-related matters, such as license renewals or new applications, will be managed with the help of CTO Ayesha Butt, a respected officer in the field.

The Enclave will also accept applications for non-police-related issues that previously required submission to the provincial ombudsman.

This consolidation ensures that women have a direct line to the provincial ombudsman without the need for additional travel or complicated procedures.

RPO Tayyab Haider Cheema highlighted the significance of creating a welcoming and supportive environment for women.

The glass-enclosed building is designed to be a pleasant and secure space where women can share their concerns openly, knowing they are in a safe setting. The entire facility is staffed by women, with security provided to ensure that only women can access the center.

"This is more than just an office," said CPO Salim. "It's a place where women will be heard, respected, and supported. We want them to feel safe and empowered to pursue their dreams without fear of harassment or violence. Our female officers will ensure their concerns are resolved with professionalism and care."

The launch of the Women's Enclave in Gujranwala is part of a broader vision by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to promote women's empowerment across Punjab. Initiatives like pink buttons, harassment cells, and the appointment of female police officers aim to ensure that women can work and live without fear, contributing fully to Pakistan's development.

"This center will fulfill its purpose by ensuring that women's voices are heard and their problems resolved," CPO Salim stated. "Our daughters, sisters, and mothers are the backbone of Pakistan's progress, and this facility is a vital step toward supporting their ambitions and ensuring their safety."

Women are encouraged to reach out to the Women's Enclave for any issues they face in their daily lives, knowing that they will receive support in a timely and respectful manner, an official said.