ISLAMABAD: The lack of adequate women’s hostels in Islamabad has emerged as a significant problem for working women, compounded by the poor conditions of private accommodation and the authorities’ negligence in constructing more hostels in the public sector despite available land.
The 50-room Nusrat Hostel in Sector G-6/3 was considered a reliable facility for working women employed in public sector departments, however, its recent relocation by the HRD Ministry as a model childcare center has deprived many working women of essential accommodation.
A representative of the non-functional G/7 women’s hostels for women also stressed the urgency of the matter, pointing out that poorly paid female workers who cannot afford the high rents charged by private hostels have few options. .
“I had no option but to share a private room for which I had to pay Rs. 15,000 per month from my paltry salary. I have little left to support my family,” said one woman, Haseena Bibi.
The organization called for immediate action to set up more government-run women’s hostels in the capital, offering affordable housing with basic amenities, to meet the growing demand.
Shahmim Hassan, another working woman, pointed out that many women migrate to Islamabad for work and face huge problems in finding suitable accommodation. Public hostels remain inadequate to cater to the growing number of women seeking employment opportunities in the federal capital, she added.
This pressing issue requires the attention of authorities to ensure that working women have access to safe, affordable and quality living spaces that support their professional aspirations and overall well-being.
