ISLAMABAD, Jan 24: The rights of Pakistani women and their equality have been recognized under the Constitution and Universal Declaration of Human Rights, yet a lot more needs to be done to improve their conditions.

This was stated by adviser to the prime minister on women development Nilofar Bakhtiar while presiding over a meeting of steering committee of Gender Reforms Action Plan (GRAP) here on Saturday. The meeting was attended by the representatives of GRAP, UNDP and officials of the ministries concerned.

The adviser said the government was fully alive to its responsibility towards bringing the women in the national main stream politically, economically and socially.

"Through devolution of power and representation in the electoral bodies, the government has empowered the women politically and enabled them to raise their voice for their rights," she said. A number of steps have been taken to eradicate gender discrimination and related issues, she added.

Ms Bakhtiar said women had been included in the electoral process even at the union council level and they would be encouraged to come forward for their welfare.

She said with the initiation of GRAP, things would improve a lot for women and they would enjoy equal rights and opportunities to progress in the society.

The recommendations of the steering committee will be finalized soon and presented to the cabinet for approval, she said.

The meeting discussed various aspects of gender reforms and issues relating to political participation and economic empowerment of women to prepare recommendation aimed at improving the conditions of womenfolk in society.

The participants were of the view that legislation needed to be done to safeguard women rights.