Seminar on International Day of the Girl Child at DUHS.

KARACHI -- Health experts addressed a seminar at Dow University of Health Sciences, stating that neglecting child (girl child) is a social dilemma in Pakistan. Discriminatory treatment begins even before their birth. Among the newborns found in garbage dumps and rural institutions, 99% are girls, says a Press release. A seminar was organized in Arag Auditorium, Dow Medical College on International day of Girl Child, in collaboration with Dr. K. M. Pfau. Civil Hospital Karachi. Registrar Dow University of Health Sciences, Dr. Ashar Afaq, was the Chief Guest. In addition, the speakers included Professor Aisha Mehnaaz, Professor Muzammil Shabana Ejaz, Professor Ammarah Jamal, Professor Fehmina Arif, Dr. Waseem Jamalvi, and others. While addressing the seminar, Registrar Dr. Ashar Afaq stated that the university has zero tolerance for harassment prevention.

Laws regarding harassment and sexual misconduct are strictly enforced at the University. He mentioned that Anti harrasment cell contact including email addresses are prominently displayed everywhere, and immediate action is taken on complaints received. Professor Muzammil Shabana Ejaz said that

girls face numerous challenges in our society, including early marriages, sexual abuse, and a lack of facilities at their workplaces. She further explained that young mothers have to deal with lots of health issues. 90% of women do not use the internet, with 2.2 billion women under the age of 25 lacking internet access. Dr. Shumaila Khalid, Vice Principal of Dow Medical College, emphasized the importance of empowering women in our society. She pointed out that women face harassment not only in public but also at the workplace. Dr. Waseem Jamalvi stated that, according to a

report of July 2023, approximately 12 children become victims of physical abuse every day, with most of them being girls. He stressed the importance of global access to protection and healthcare and called for not employing children under 18 years of age. Professor Ammarah Jamal highlighted the issue of neglecting girls. She emphasized that Pakistan has a high number of abundant babies i.e. 99%, and their exploitation begins even before their birth...