ISLAMABAD, May 26: Women have remained a neglected section of society and need to be streamlined in the decision-making bodies of the country.

This was the gist of recommendations made at a consultative workshop on national gender reform action plan, which was attended by representatives of civil society organizations, private and public sectors and women parliamentarians here on Monday.

The programme was organized by the ministry of women development, social welfare and special education with the financial assistance of Asian Development Bank.

Four groups constituted on the occasion recommended setting up of separate sections in every federal ministry to look after women’s rights. It suggested that the National Reconstruction Bureau should enact women-friendly laws to safeguard their rights.

Establishment of research centres for gender development, and strengthening of the existing women study centres in the public sector universities were also proposed.

It was recommended that an inter-ministerial gender coordinating committee be set up under the federal minister for women development to make government ministries/divisions accountable for whatever they do for women’s rights.

It was stated that there were a number of women-specific policies which were not properly disseminated to the concerned departments. The groups also emphasized the importance of continuation of women-related policies irrespective of a change in the government.

It also recommended gender sensitization of officials of both federal and provincial ministries working for women’s emancipation.

The recommendations on women’s political participation suggested punitive action against those who did not allow women to use their right to vote.