Joint effort: Decision-making role of women highlighted

ISLAMABAD: Women must be given decision making powers at all levels. This was said by Pattan Development Organisation (PDO) representative William Pervez at an introductory session between ICT Women Councilors Network (WCN) and NGOs.

The event was arranged by PDO to bridge gap between local bodies and NGO sector so that both parties may benefit to form sustainable solutions.

“There should be no prejudice and bias towards women and performance must be measured according to merit,” he stated while highlighting the need for an anti-sexual harassment environment for women. Pervez also stressed on the need for gender sensitive local governance. “The agenda of formulation of this network is to transform quota rationale into practice as a first step to organise women councilors beyond party affiliation,” he said while giving a presentation on WCN.

Pervez further went on to say that there was a need to formulate and agree to a common agenda. “Finding allies and support and creating an impact on local governance is extremely essential,” he added.

Rumana Bashir of Peace and Development Organisation said that NGOs could offer skill development to improve various facets. “We are also working on the twin cities and trying to improve women participation in public life and spaces. NGOs could also sit with local body officials and discuss various roles in the job description to help in working as a support role,” she said.

Noorul Raza of ROZAN said that it was important to highlight the main aim and objectives. “We are working on women protection and empowerment, child abuse and support for domestic violence survivors and can offer help in all these areas,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 29^th, 2016.