Federal Ombudsman rules firing women during maternity leave gender discrimination

The Federal Ombudsman for Anti-Harassment (FOSPAH) has issued a major verdict in favor of women’s workplace rights, declaring that terminating a woman’s employment during maternity leave constitutes gender discrimination.

The decision came in response to a petition filed by Zainab Zahra Awan, who was dismissed by a private company while on maternity leave. Federal Ombudsman Fawzia Waqar ruled the company’s action as unlawful and discriminatory, directing that Zainab Zahra be reinstated to her position and her dismissal order be declared null and void.

FOSPAH also imposed a fine of Rs 1 million on the private company — ordering Rs 800,000 to be paid to the victim as compensation and Rs 200,000 to be deposited in the national treasury.

Ombudsman Fawzia Waqar emphasized that “becoming a mother should never be an obstacle to a woman’s career”, adding that safe maternity and job security during the period are fundamental rights of all women.

The ruling is being hailed as a landmark decision aimed at reinforcing protections for working women and ensuring employers uphold their legal and ethical responsibilities during maternity periods.