FUUAST VC found guilty of harassment over remarks about women’s ‘hormonal changes’

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Ombudsperson for Protection against Harassment (FOSPA) has declared that remarks made by Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST) Vice-Chancellor Dr Zabta Khan Shinwari, constitute workplace harassment.

The ruling came after Dr Shinwari allegedly said: “When women reach 35 or older, hormonal changes affect their mental balance, and they start creating problems for others.”

In a detailed decision, FOSPA held that such comments were “sexist, derogatory and reflective of gender stereotypes”, which create a hostile and unsafe work environment for women.

The case was filed by a female faculty member who accused the vice chancellor and a department head of harassment, bias, and intimidation.

She alleged that she faced workplace pressure, unfair treatment, and retaliation, including excessive workload, warning letters, and delays in obtaining an NOC for her PhD.

During the investigation, FOSPA found insufficient evidence for most of the allegations but ruled that Dr Shinwari’s sexist and discriminatory remarks about female faculty were proven and constituted workplace harassment under the Protection against Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2010.

FOSPA Chairperson Fauzia Viqar, in her verdict, stated that such statements “reinforce gender stereotypes, demean women, and foster a toxic professional culture.” She emphasized that ignorance of gender sensitivity cannot be used as an excuse by individuals in positions of authority.

The FOSPA issued a formal warning to the vice chancellor under Section 4(4)(i) (a) of the 2010 Act and directed the university syndicate to monitor his conduct and ensure no recurrence. The university was also instructed to establish a permanent inquiry committee, display a code of conduct prominently, and hold regular awareness workshops on gender sensitivity.

The ruling marks the first time in Pakistan that an educational head has been found guilty of workplace harassment based solely on sexist remarks, setting a precedent for future cases.

Experts welcomed the decision, calling it a “landmark moment” for gender equality in academia.

Gynecologist Dr Samrina Hashmi said linking women’s emotions or performance to hormonal changes was “scientifically baseless and socially damaging.”

Clinical psychologist Dr Wajiha Zafar added that women over 30 often become more confident and capable, and such stereotypes stem from “male insecurity and lack of awareness.”

Both experts stressed that hostile remarks or jokes about menopause or women’s emotions amount to harassment and can make workplaces unsafe.

Dr Zafar noted that FOSPA’s decision represents “a crucial step toward redefining harassment in Pakistan — beyond physical acts, to include verbal and psychological abuse that undermines dignity.”

The verdict concluded with the observation that “Preventing harassment in Pakistan’s institutions requires more than laws — it demands a change in mindset. Prejudice, whether expressed through words, attitudes, or behaviour, has no place in the workplace.”