K-P outlines Women Empowerment Policy 2026-30 to strengthen rights, education

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women reviewed several laws, policy initiatives, and proposed recommendations, including incorporating inheritance rights into the policy, ensuring the enforcement of existing laws, eliminating dowry practices, and integrating certain traditional financial practices into educational curricula.

A key stakeholders’ consultation on the Women Empowerment Policy 2026-30 was held in Peshawar on Wednesday under the auspices of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women.

The session brought together Dr Sumira Shams, Chairperson of the Commission; MPA Sobia Shahid; Zainab Qaiser Khan, Head of the UN Women Sub-Office in K-P; and representatives from the Information, NADRA, Labour, and Social Welfare departments, as well as other government institutions and civil society organisations.

The workshop reviewed several laws and policy initiatives, including the K-P Enforcement of Women Property Rights Act 2019, revisions to the Women Empowerment Policy, gender integration in the K-P Climate Change Policy 2022, gender analysis reports for education and health (2024), strict enforcement of anti-harassment laws, measures against child marriage, and funding and implementation strategies for the Women Empowerment Policy.

In her address, Dr Sumira emphasised that the previous Women Empowerment Policy of K-P had completed its tenure, making it imperative to prepare a new policy that addresses existing gaps. She highlighted the need for support from public representatives and institutions to improve women’s rights, legislation, implementation, and participation across various sectors. She also stressed the importance of accurate and timely documentation for effective policymaking.

Gender Specialist Syeda Nadrat from the Social Welfare Department provided a detailed briefing on key progress and challenges in women’s empowerment. She noted that despite existing laws, implementation had been delayed due to multiple factors. She also highlighted a significant literacy gap in the province, with male literacy at 64–66 per cent compared to only 37 per cent for women.

The K-P Women’s Commission concluded the session by stating that a comprehensive implementation plan for the Women Empowerment Policy 2026-30 will soon be finalised to ensure effective execution and monitoring.