PESHAWAR: Women Parliamentary Caucus Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (WPC-KP) and UN Women Pakistan launched a report on “Gap analysis of legislation related to ending violence against women EVAW” to provide an in-depth analysis of the normative, implementation and monitoring gaps in the legislative framework of the province and to identify and document gaps in the existing provincial legal framework and implementation process.

The gap analysis report issued here on Monday has been designed and commissioned by UN Women Pakistan in partnership with Women Parliamentary Caucus KP with the financial support of UK Aid.

The virtual launch was attended by the provincial parliamentarians, members of WPC, government officials, representatives of civil society organisations, media, academia, legal community and people from all walks of life.

The starting point for this analysis has been contextualising EVAW laws within the framework of the convention on elimination of all forms of discrimination against women (CEDAW) and Pakistan’s other international commitments.

Suggests contextualising relevant laws within the framework of convention on elimination of all forms of discrimination against women

The document substantiates and builds on previous bodies of work and adopts a holistic approach in identifying gaps and proposing recommendations for EVAW related legislation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

WPC-KP general secretary Ayesha Bano said in her welcome address that commitment of provincial government to the cause of women rights was evident from the initiatives undertaken to implement Pakistan’s international commitments at the provincial level.

“Gap analysis report of laws relating to EVAW will create a better understanding of the legislative framework which will in turn support the enactment and implementation of effective and inclusive legislation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” she said.

In his message, Provincial Minister for Law Sultan Mohammad Khan recounted the achievements of the government related to pro-women legislative reforms over the years.

He specifically highlighted government’s success in the amendment and implementation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Protection of Women against Harassment at Workplace Act, 2010, and the appointment of renowned social activist Rukhshanda Naz as provincial ombudsperson for protection against harassment of women at workplace.

Chairperson Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women Dr Riffat Sardar and Saman Ahsan, portfolio manager EVAW, governance and human rights UN Women Pakistan also spoke on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, August 18th, 2020