Islamabad (Izhar Khan Niazi): The National Assembly’s Special Committee on Gender Mainstreaming has urged the federal government to establish working women hostels in Islamabad on a priority basis under the Prime Minister’s Women Empowerment Package.

The committee said the initiative would provide employed women with safe, dignified and affordable accommodation facilities.

During a meeting chaired by Dr. Nafisa Shah, officials of the Staff Welfare Organisation briefed the committee on working women hostels, daycare centres and other welfare projects. The committee was informed about challenges including increasing demand, outdated infrastructure, shortage of financial resources and lack of staff.

The committee recommended the modernisation and rehabilitation of all working women hostels and daycare centres, including digitalisation, improved security arrangements, better facilities, filling vacant positions and establishing an effective complaint redressal system.

Later, the committee visited Fatima Jinnah Working Women Hostel and Daycare Centre, reviewed the arrangements and directed the relevant authorities to take immediate corrective measures.