SCSW launches Sindh’s first strategic plan for women empowerment

The plan is aimed at reviewing laws from a gender perspective, taking steps to end violence against women

A group at a seminar by the Sindh Commission on the Status of Women. PHOTO: EXPRESS

KARACHI:
The Sindh Commission on the Status of Women (SCSW), in collaboration with the United Nations (UN) Women Pakistan, launched its first ever three-year strategic plan on Friday, aiming to advocate for women’s rights and promote gender equality.

The plan outlines three strategic priorities, which include reviewing Sindh’s laws, regulations and policies from a gender perspective, taking steps to end violence against women and building the institutional capacity of SCSW.

Congratulating SCSW on the launch of the plan, Sindh Chief Secretary Mumtaz Ali Shah appreciated the UN Women Pakistan for extending support to the Sindh government for strengthening SCSW’s institutional capacity. Speaking on the occasion, he reaffirmed the Sindh government’s commitment to empowering women in the province and said that the implementation of SCSW’s strategic plan will help improve women’s standing in society.

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Adviser to Sindh Chief Minister (CM) on Law and Environment Barrister Murtaza Wahab, who also attended the launch ceremony, assured that here onwards, the provincial government will be even more considerate of women’s needs. Also, the government will now look at laws and policies through a gender lens, he said.

Women Development Department Provincial Secretary Dr Alia Shahid termed the launch as “a remarkable event for the women of Sindh.” Appreciating SCSW and UN Women Pakistan for taking the initiative, Dr Shahid observed that there are two aspects to challenges faced by women in the region. “These are protection and empowerment,” she said.

According to Dr Shahid, a safe woman is more likely to enter socio-economic spheres. “So, there is a need to integrate a system where women are safe and empowered,” she said, adding that “WDD is committed to providing unwavering support to SCSW for amplifying actions to address issues women face today in Sindh.”

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Addressing the ceremony, SCSW Chairperson Nuzhat Shirin said that the strategic plan will help the commission in implementing its mandate in accordance with international commitments on women's rights and gender equality. She further said, “Despite limited financial and human resources, SCSW is helping the Sindh government in reviewing pro-women legislation, lobbying for women’s rights by developing inter-departmental and civil society networks, monitoring initiatives and supporting departments working on women issues.”
UN Women Pakistan Deputy Country Representative Aisha Mukhar, Sindh Additional IG Ameer Ahmed Sheikh, senior government officials, politicians and members of the civil society also attended the ceremony.
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