KARACHI: The Center for Guidance, Career Planning and Placement of Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology in collaboration with the Federal Ombudsman Secretariat for Protection against Harassment (FOSPAH) organized a painting competition at the university campus that convened students of SSUET to visually depict the message of harassment through their artwork.

The painting competition encouraged students to explore the theme of workplace harassment in its various forms and dimensions.

Regional Head (Sindh), Federal Ombudsperson Secretariat for Protection Against Harassment, Sabika Shah, who has been actively working towards creating awareness and promoting a culture of zero tolerance for harassment in workplaces across the country, said that FOSPAH demonstrated the government’s unwavering commitment to preventing harassment through its participation in 16 days activism campaign against workplace harassment, to combat and raise awareness.

The Chancellor SSUET, Mr. Jawaid Anwar, said that workplace harassment may or may not be of physical evidence. Victims of verbal harassment often face an ongoing battle of destruction that threatens their health and career equally. A healthy, positive, and harassment-free workplace helps in employee engagement and increased productivity. It is thus, the workplace does not encourage harassment and discrimination towards anyone.

Vice Chancellor SSUET, Prof. Dr. Vali Uddin said that the significant initiative underscores our collective pledge to eradicate harassment, extending its impact across diverse sectors, whilst empowering individuals by imparting comprehensive knowledge about their rights and the protective legal framework governing workplace environments.

Registrar SSUET, Syed Sarfraz Ali said that art has the power to convey messages that words alone sometimes cannot. Through this competition, we hope to amplify the conversation around workplace harassment and encourage a collective effort towards fostering safe and inclusive workspaces.

Dr. Shakil Ahmed, Director of the Center for Guidance, Career Planning and Placement said that the painting competition serves as a platform for our students to use their creativity for a noble cause and contribute to a positive change in society.

Appreciating the enthusiasm and creativity of the students, the Dean Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Prof. Dr. Amir emphasized the importance of such initiatives in shaping the mindset of future professionals.

FOSPAH appreciated the efforts of the students by awarding the top 3 winners with shields and giving certificates to all the participating students. to engage with the powerful messages conveyed by the students.

The event concluded with a commitment from both the Sir Syed University and the FOSPAH to continue collaborating on initiatives that promote a safe and respectful environment for women in the workplace.