News Desk
QUETTA : The Forum for Dignity Initiatives (FDI) has urged the Balochistan government and relevant authorities to formally adopt a comprehensive Women’s Health and Hygiene Policy for the province, supported by dedicated budgetary allocations for essential hygiene facilities in schools, healthcare centres and public spaces.
The call was made during a series of consultative engagements with provincial stakeholders in Quetta, led by Uzma Yaqoob, Executive Director of Forum for Dignity Initiatives.
FDI seeks provincial women’s health policy
Speaking during the consultations, Uzma Yaqoob emphasized the need to strengthen women’s health and hygiene services in Balochistan, particularly in educational institutions, healthcare facilities and government offices.
She said the absence of a province-wide policy framework can result in differences in the availability of essential hygiene facilities across institutions. FDI called for consistent standards to ensure women and girls have access to appropriate facilities throughout the province.
The organization recommended that schools and public facilities provide private washrooms, clean running water, soap, safe waste-disposal facilities and designated rest areas.
FDI also recommended making essential hygiene products available free of cost in educational institutions and relevant public facilities.
Women’s health and disaster preparedness
The organization highlighted the importance of women’s health and hygiene in disaster preparedness and emergency response, particularly as Balochistan faces recurring floods, droughts and displacement.
Uzma Yaqoob said essential hygiene supplies, sanitation facilities and privacy should be incorporated into humanitarian and emergency response planning to address the needs of women and girls during displacement and other emergencies.
FDI calls for affordable hygiene products
FDI also called for policy measures to improve the affordability and availability of essential hygiene products for women and girls.
The organization said reducing costs alone may not be sufficient if products are not readily accessible. It recommended ensuring the availability of essential hygiene supplies in schools, healthcare centres and public institutions.
Need for women’s health education
The organization also emphasized the importance of age-appropriate and accurate health education for adolescent girls.
FDI said teachers and educators should have appropriate information and resources to discuss women’s health and hygiene with students in an informed and supportive manner.
“A girl’s access to education and ability to stay in school must never depend on whether her school has a functional washroom with a locking door,” Uzma Yaqoob said. “Without a dedicated policy and an explicit budget line, we are leaving the dignity and future of our girls entirely to chance.”
FDI to continue stakeholder consultations
Forum for Dignity Initiatives said it would continue engaging with provincial stakeholders to support the development and formal notification of a Women’s Health and Hygiene Policy for Balochistan.
The organization also called for women’s health and hygiene to be incorporated into Balochistan’s development planning and annual budgeting.
