Commission Chair Sumira Shams highlights importance of accurate and timely documentation for effective policymaking
Dr Sumira Shams, Chairperson, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women. Photo: facebook.com/kpcsw.gov.pk/
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 implementation of existing laws, eliminating dowry practices and integrating some traditional financial practices into educational programs.
A consultation of key stakeholders 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 was attended by Dr Sumira Shams, Chairperson of the Commission; AMP Sobia Shahid; Zainab Qaiser Khan, head of UN Women sub-office in KP; and representatives from the Departments of Information, NADRA, Labor and Social Welfare, as well as other government institutions and civil society organizations.
The workshop reviewed several laws and policy initiatives, including the KP Women’s Property Rights Enforcement Act 2019, revisions to the Women’s Empowerment Policy, gender mainstreaming in the KP Climate Change Policy 2022, Gender Analysis Reports for Education and Health (2024), strict enforcement of anti-harassment laws, measures against child marriage, and financing and implementation strategies. implementation of the women’s empowerment policy.
In her speech, Dr. Sumira highlighted that the previous KP women empowerment policy had reached its conclusion, making it imperative to prepare a new policy that addresses the existing gaps. She highlighted the need for support from public representatives and institutions to improve women’s rights, legislation, implementation and participation in various sectors. She also highlighted the importance of accurate and timely documentation for effective policymaking.
Gender specialist Syeda Nadrat from the Department of Social Welfare provided a detailed presentation on the main 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 the male literacy rate between 64 and 66 percent, compared to just 37 percent for women.
The KP Women’s Commission concluded the session by stating that a comprehensive implementation plan of the Women Empowerment Policy 2026-30 will be finalized soon to ensure effective execution and monitoring.
