The Gujranwala police have established the Women’s Enclave, the first general reporting center designed specifically for women who need assistance in lodging complaints, not only with the police but also with other state-run institutions like the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
Located in Satellite Town, the center is exclusively staffed by female police officers, ensuring that no male staff or visitors are allowed to enter or interact with the victims. This measure is intended to provide a safe and comfortable environment for women to report sensitive issues, such as sexual assault and domestic violence.
The Gujranwala police department has integrated a login facility for three key departments—FIA, Social Welfare Department, and the Women Ombudsperson Punjab—through a specially designed app. This app enables these departments to promptly initiate and handle complaints from women victims. Additionally, the Women’s Enclave offers legal assistance through partnerships with leading female lawyers, helping victims reclaim their dowry items and inherited properties from in-laws.
An official explained that the center was established in response to a rising number of violence against women cases, noting that many women avoid male-dominated police stations due to discomfort in discussing sensitive issues. The center, which sees 400 to 500 women each month seeking help with domestic violence, sexual assault, workplace harassment, and property disputes, may soon be replicated in other districts of the province.
The initiative has been recognized by the inspector general of police as one of the best facilities for women. According to a Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) report, around 91% of women in the domestic work sector face harassment, with social media contributing significantly to the issue. To combat this, the Women’s Enclave is equipped with trained female officers who work closely with the FIA’s cyber crime wing to provide legal protection and follow up on cases.
