Effective use of data ‘key to gender equality’

Inter-provincial meeting focuses on strengthening portal

LAHORE:

An Inter-Provincial Ministerial Group (IPMG) focused on strengthening the National Gender Data Portal (NGDP) on the second day of its meeting.

The portal is envisioned as a computerised database of women-related statistics and information organised and programmed to produce regular analysis and reports on the status of women for the decision makers at the national, provincial and district levels. It was established with the support of UN Women and NUST under the umbrella of the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW).

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The NCSW hosted the two-day meeting with support from the UN Women and the United States, during which participants discussed how to use data more effectively in efforts to advance gender equality in Pakistan.

The IPMG had been established in 2009 to enhance coordination on gender equality and women’s empowerment in the country.

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NCSW Chairperson Nilofar Bakhtiar said on the occasion, “Let's unite to build a society where every woman’s voice echoes, and her rights and contributions are valued.”

UN Women Country Representative Sharmeela Rassool said the IPMG functioned as an inventive platform for devising tailored solutions that catered to the unique needs of Pakistan.

US Consul General Kristin Hawkins emphasised, “The National Gender Data Portal, which is financially supported by the United States, is a credible and comprehensive source of gender-related data. Better data collection, analysis and reporting pave the way for more informed decision making, both by the government of Pakistan and donors.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 23^rd, 2023.