In Pakistan, need stressed over ending gender discrimination in political process

Canada backs initiative aimed at strengthening women’s democratic rights

ISLAMABAD: With around half of Pakistan‘s 207 million population comprising women, there is a need to eliminate gender-based differences in the political process and giving women a stronger role and voice.

This was expressed by Canadian High Commissioner Wendy Gilmour on Monday as the Trust for Democratic Education and Accountability (TDEA) launched the Women’s Enjoyment of Rights, Empowerment and Leadership (WE’RE Leaders) project in a ceremony on Monday. The four-year project is supported by Canada, designed to strengthen women’s democratic rights by enhancing their civic and political participation, with a special focus on young and marginalised women.

Canada has always supported women participation in the political process, said Gilmour, adding that Canada, being a champion of women’s rights, will support the project.

The project will directly benefit over 300,000 women while reaching out to an estimated 70 million people through its various radio, and electronic media campaigns. Activities will be carried out in the federal capital as well as 20 districts in Pakistan including the four provincial capitals.

“There should be no gender-based difference in the political process; women should have a strong role in the political process,” the high commissioner said, adding, “we are working with the government of Pakistan as well as the non-government organisations to enhance the role of women in the electoral process.”

She further stressed on women to take up strong roles in political parties.

“We will also have to ensure full representation of women in the political parties,” the envoy said.

The launch event was attended by the representatives of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), national rights-based commissions, civil society organisations, and the media.

Election Commission of Pakistan Gender Affairs Additional Director General Nighat Siddique applauded TDEA’s role as a strategic partner in the ECP’s campaign to enhance women’s NIC and voter registration.

TDEA CEO Shahid Fiaz thanked the Canadian people for their continued support.

TDEA, she said, works to empower citizens – particularly women – to work for civil liberties, and improved governance in Pakistan.

WE’RE Leaders is being implemented by TDEA along with member organisations of the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN). The Rs578.82 million project expands on Global Affairs Canada and TDEA’s long-running commitment to women’s empowerment. Project interventions are designed to create an environment conducive to women’s participation in the political and electoral process as well as build the capacities of women to run for public office and pursue positions of leadership.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 11^th, 2020.