In a significant development, representatives from major political parties have unequivocally expressed their commitment to advancing women’s political participation.
The women leaders, parliamentarians and civil society leaders on the occasion present a joint Charter of Demand for meaningful political participation with political parties; structure and all decision-making process. This collective dedication was prominently affirmed at the National Policy Forum on “Women’s Inclusion in Democratic Governance,” a noteworthy event hosted by South Asia Partnership Pakistan (SAP-PK).
The forum aimed to bring together women leaders, policymakers, and international partners to deliberate on strategies for enhancing the role of women in political processes.
Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Murtaza Solangi, said that women empowerment in the country is a sacred duty which is impossible without the societal attitudinal change promoting equality for women and girls.
Solangi said the behaviour of equality should be promoted at the household level where boys are not preferred over girls, and if it is not inculcated in the society then there will be no change, he added.
Renowned political analyst Ms. Mosarrat Qadeem, in her keynote address, asserted the indispensable role of women’s voices in constructing a robust and equitable Pakistan. She delineated the efforts undertaken by SAP-PK and its partners to empower women through enhanced political participation, emphasizing that the essence lies beyond numerical representation.
Qadeem articulated the imperative of fundamentally altering power dynamics, ensuring women’s voices are integral to decisions affecting their lives.
Welcoming participants, Mr. Mohammad Tahseen expressed SAP-PK’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable society where women assume meaningful roles.
The forum provided a unique platform for diverse voices, commencing with a panel discussion featuring accomplished women leaders. Ms. Sana Durrani (Balochistan), Ms. Pushpa Kumari (Sindh), Ms. Nusrat Ara (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Ms. Neelum Sarwar (Gilgit Baltistan), Ms. Anum Khan (representing Persons with Diverse Abilities from Punjab), and Ms. Mahi Ali (transgender activist) shared their experiences and perspectives. Their narratives illuminated both the challenges and opportunities encountered in the intricate web of political participation.
