MP Shahida Rehmani. Photo: Facebook
ISLAMABAD:
The female legislators – members of the National Assembly (MPs) and senators – highlighted the need for greater participation of women in legislation aimed at protecting women from abuse, harassment and injustice.
The Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (WPC) of the National Assembly launched its annual report 2024-25 at the Parliament in Islamabad. The launching ceremony, convened by MP Shahida Rehmani, was moderated by NA Special Secretary Syed Shamoon Hashmi.
The 2024-25 Annual Report highlighted the key achievements, initiatives and challenges faced by the Parliamentary Women’s Caucus during the year.
In her opening remarks, Shahida recognized the contributions of WPC members in advancing gender-sensitive legislation, strengthening parliamentary oversight on gender issues, and expanding the caucus’ reach across party lines.
She reaffirmed the WPC’s commitment to ensuring that gender-sensitive legislation remains a central part of the parliamentary agenda.
Notable achievements highlighted included the organization of the first Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) workshop in Pakistan on gender-sensitive legislation after a gap of four years, with the participation of international parliamentarians.
The report presentation highlighted several landmark initiatives, including the establishment and strengthening of provincial and legislative branches of the WPC in the four provincial and legislative assemblies, carried out for the first time in the history of Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion, Senator Rubina Qaimkhani proposed the formation of parliamentary committees to comprehensively examine the legislation on harassment and plug the existing loopholes.
MP Tahira Aurangzeb stressed the importance of a non-partisan approach to gender equality and highlighted the role of parents in promoting respect and equality from a young age.
MP Munaza Hassan highlighted better coordination between the national, provincial and legislative assemblies to ensure cohesion between all sections of WPC.
Samar MP Haroon Bilour highlighted the impact of terrorism and security challenges on women, especially those who have lost male family members, and highlighted the inclusion of women parliamentarians in economic and security decision-making.
She also called for increasing employment quotas for women in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other provinces.
Senator Rubina Khalid has advocated internship opportunities for meritorious law and social science students in parliamentary and legislative bodies.
She highlighted the adoption of international best practices to combat cybercrime, as well as the increase in Senate representation in the WPC working council.
MP Farrukh Khan highlighted the importance of gender balance and mutual support between men and women for sustainable empowerment.
Senator Khalida Ateeb stressed the strict implementation of laws related to the protection, welfare and rehabilitation of women.
MP Asma Arbab Alamgir highlighted the need to allocate adequate funds for women parliamentarians and called for the creation of government agencies dedicated to the protection of vulnerable women and children, especially in light of the increase in human trafficking.
