Gender equality: Inter-provincial linkages stressed for women’s uplift

Speakers stress repeal of Qisas and Diyat Ordinance.

ISLAMABAD:

Gender equality and women empowerment are only possible through establishing inter-provincial linkages and coordination mechanisms between federal and provincial structures. This was the crux of a two-day national consultation on gender equality and women’s empowerment which concluded on Thursday.

The consultation was organised by the National Commission on Status of Women (NCSW), in collaboration with the UN Women and Gender Equity Programme of Aurat Foundation. The event was attended by officers from the federal and provincial governments women’s development departments, prominent civil society organisations, lawyers and judges as well as academia.

The participants demanded the immediately repeal of Qisas and Diyat Ordinance as they allow “criminals and murderers to roam around freely.”

NCSW Chairperson Anis Haroon said that the status of women remains at the bottom of the tier since they are allocated the poorest human and financial resources despite the government’s efforts to bring their agenda to the forefront.

The bill for a permanent National Commission for Women has been approved by the cabinet and parliamentary standing committee, which only awaits approval by parliament, she added.

“The federal government will continue to report on international commitments, such as the Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), for which the ministry of human rights will play a pivotal role, whereas the NCSW will continue to support women-friendly legislation,” said Haroon.

Pamela Patten, a member of the CEDAW Committee, emphasised on the need to report on measures to reduce gender inequities and ensure all legislation is in line with CEDAW in the ambit of current national and international commitments.

Women’s Parliamentary Caucus Nafeesa Shah urged participants to deliberate on a clear vision on gender equality which the provinces could adopt to develop their own strategies and action plans.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 16^th, 2011.