Women's representation in electoral systems stressed

KARACHI:

Speakers at a convention in Sukkur stressed the importance of including women in social, political, and electoral processes for national development.

The Marvi Rural Development Organization (MRDO), under the umbrella of the Coalition for Inclusive Pakistan (CIP), organised a provincial convention themed "Enhancing Women’s Social, Economic, Electoral, and Political Participation."

Notable speakers at the event included Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC) Chairperson, Iqbal Detho, Council Member of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Puspha Kumari, Assistant Commissioner Sarmad Wassan, Director of Voluntary Agencies at the Social Welfare Department Abdul Hameed Shaikh, and representatives from the Women Development Department and MNA Barrister Halar Wassan, were present on the occasion.

The event drew attendees from various sectors including university students, civil society members, lawyers, journalists, and government officials.

MRDO CEO Sughra Solangi highlighted the organisation's efforts in implementing a project focused on enhancing women's participation in social, economic, and electoral processes in Sukkur district.
Solangi emphasised that the project targeted areas with low female voter turnout and addressed discriminatory practices faced by women.

She underscored socio-cultural and economic barriers hindering women's political participation, including sex segregation, illiteracy, and lack of awareness about their political rights.
MRDO Programme Manager Salman Ali discussed the organisation's mobilisation sessions aimed at raising awareness among women about their voting and political rights.

He emphasised the importance of community engagement in empowering women and fostering informed citizenship.

Speaking on the occasion, SHRC Chairperson Iqbal Detho called for stronger efforts to include women in the electoral system without discrimination.

He highlighted the need to strengthen local governance structures and shared insights into SHRC's initiatives for women's rights.

SHRC Council Member Pushpha Kumari applauded MRDO's work and stressed the importance of civil documentation for women.

She called for widespread awareness sessions on women's rights and civil documentation across Sindh.

MPA Barrister Halar Wassan commended MRDO's efforts in addressing women's issues and pledged to prioritise initiatives benefiting women in his constituency.
He reiterated the Pakistan People's Party's commitment to women's rights and empowerment, promising legislative reforms to advance gender equality.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 18th, 2024